UCLA

Although many justice-involved youth (JIY) rely on Medicaid, due to the federal "inmate exclusion" Medicaid is often suspended or terminated upon youth's intake to detention, which can lead to coverage gaps at release. We interviewed 28 experts on Medicaid and the justice system and conducted thematic analysis to identify solutions for reducing Medicaid coverage gaps during reentry. Participants viewed coverage gaps during reentry as a significant public health problem to which JIY are especially vulnerable. Recommended solutions for reducing coverage gaps for JIY included (a) leave Medicaid activated, (b) reactivate Medicaid before or during reentry, (c) enhance interagency collaboration, and (d) address societal context to ensure health care access for Medicaid-eligible JIY. Doing so may improve health outcomes and reduce cycles of youth incarceration.