Committee backs resolution to support 90-day prerelease Medicaid coverage for incarcerated people with substance use disorder

The Kenosha County Legislative Committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting steps that would allow Medicaid coverage for incarcerated individuals during a 90-day prerelease period, a measure committee members and the sheriff said would strengthen continuity of care for people with substance use disorders.

Supervisor Decker introduced the resolution after the sheriff raised the issue. The sheriff told the committee that federal rules currently exclude Medicaid and Medicare coverage while individuals are in custody but that a state demonstration (the meeting referenced Assembly Bill 604) could allow coverage during a prerelease window. "This would pick up the expense prior to the release, make sure that they have everything they need," the sheriff said, describing plans to ensure prescriptions and appointments are in place before people leave custody.

Committee members asked how medications and appointments are handled now. The sheriff said the county typically provides 30 days of medication while in custody and that the demonstration would cover services during the 90 days prior to release to ensure additional help, connect people with appointments, and support discharge planning. Committee members also noted the county's embedded social worker and other discharge-planning efforts that coordinate postrelease care.

A motion to approve the resolution was moved and seconded (the transcript records a second by Supervisor Nordegren). Committee members called for the vote and the resolution passed unanimously.

Committee members said the change could reduce recidivism by making sure people have medications and follow-up services in place when they reenter the community. The committee's approval sends the resolution to the county board for further action.