In a presentation to the Legislative Finance Committee this week, state officials announced the rollout of a special Medicaid program for people leaving correctional facilities. The effort could help save lives.
People just being released from jail or prison are more than 11 times as likely to die of an overdose compared to the average New Mexican, and more than 15 times as likely than the national average, according to the state Department of Health.
That’s part of the impetus for the new Medicaid program, which will cover all formerly incarcerated people for 90 days after being released, regardless of income, and in some cases will kick in before they’re out.
Haven Scogin with the New Mexico Correction Department said that would let it get a head start on rolling out behavioral health care services and things like medically assisted treatment for substance use disorders.
She says clients can hit the ground running with support services already in place, and a prescription ready for them at their local pharmacy.
“That would create a seamless transition of services for clients, as many of the clients we serve in corrections have substance use disorders and, as the deputy secretary stated, are at a higher risk for overdose death especially upon release,” she said.
Research from the University of New Mexico has also shown people are less likely to go back to jail if they maintain their medically assisted treatment.
The state Health Care Authority is developing a plan to implement the coverage, which will be submitted in January. The program is set to go live next July.
The law would require coverage for medically assisted treatment, case management, and behavioral health care. While care like radiology and lab testing would only be covered if funds are available
Support for this coverage comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
