People touched by the justice system and correctional services in Maryland have a new support system for maintaining healthcare coverage via Medicaid. HealthCare Access Maryland and Centurion Health have agreed to a five-year partnership to ensure returning citizens and all justice-involved people have continuity of care upon their re-entry into the community.
HealthCare Access Maryland has hired a team of 14 certified application counselors who will provide enrollment assistance to justice-involved individuals, offering education to help them understand their health benefits and how to use them to take care of their healthcare needs.
People re-entering the community after being involved with the justice system often have a wide range of complex health care needs and conditions. Continuity of care is a critical need that Medicaid coverage can help fill. Research shows that people who have Medicaid coverage at release are more likely to receive community-based health services in a timely manner than those who don’t.
A study of Medicaid enrollment also demonstrated that justice-involved individuals with mental health needs received community health services for those needs more quickly when they were enrolled in Medicaid at the time of their release. They also received more health services within 90 days of release.
HealthCare Access Maryland is a nonprofit devoted to improving health and advancing health equity in Maryland. They help people enroll in affordable health coverage and work to remove obstacles to health and health care access. The communities in which they work have been disproportionately impacted by burdens such as high infant mortality, chronic health conditions, and stigma.
“Navigating the health care system – including accessing and using one’s Medicaid benefits – can be a challenge for anyone, and for those re-entering the community following incarceration presents unique hurdles,” said Traci Kodeck, Chief Executive Officer of HealthCare Access Maryland. “We are proud to partner with Centurion to provide the experience and dedication that these Marylanders deserve as they transition from the correctional system.”
Centurion Health is a national provider of comprehensive healthcare services for incarcerated and justice-involved individuals. Its focus extends beyond patient care to empowering those they serve and helping them reach their full potential.
“By focusing on continuity of care, we are addressing a critical need that supports successful re-entry, improves health outcomes, and reduces recidivism. This initiative reflects the power of collaboration to create meaningful, systemic change, and we are honored to work alongside a partner who shares our vision of accessible, quality care for all,” said Tim Harlin, Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Health.
