House narrowly passes bill to restore Medicaid reentry coverage for people leaving custody

House Bill 282, which authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to establish a reentry program under Medical Assistance and to suspend rather than terminate Medicaid coverage during incarceration, passed the Pennsylvania House on June 3, 2025.

Representative Briggs urged a yes vote on the bill, saying the change would address gaps in coverage that occur when Medicaid is terminated upon incarceration. Briggs said restoring coverage prior to release reduces overdose risk, improves continuity of care for serious medical needs and can reduce recidivism. He referenced the federal bipartisan SUPPORT Act (2018) and described the bill as aligning Pennsylvania with a federal waiver process and with other states that have reentry waivers.

Briggs said 19 states had received a reentry waiver and nine were pending; he argued HB 282 would increase employment opportunities for returning citizens and save the Commonwealth money in overtime and other costs. The Clerk recorded the final passage roll call: 153 ayes and 50 nays; the bill passed final passage on the House floor and the Clerk prepared it for presentation to the Senate for concurrence.

The bill's text authorizes the Department of Corrections to establish reentry-oriented substance abuse and case management services under Medical Assistance rules. Implementation will depend on federal approvals where required by Medicaid waiver policy and subsequent departmental rulemaking or program agreements.