Medicaid Coverage Expansion for Nevada’s Incarcerated Youth: A New Federal Mandate
As of January 1st, Nevada’s juvenile justice facilities are now mandated to provide Medicaid health coverage to incarcerated individuals under 21 and those up to 26 years old who have been in foster care. This is due to a new federal law that took effect at the start of the year. The Justice Reinvestment Program aims to ensure that case management and healthcare services, including dental and behavioral health reviews, are accessible before release. Previously, these services were limited and not covered by Medicaid.
Stacie Weeks, Nevada’s Medicaid Director, highlighted the potential for this change to bring stability. Weeks stated, “When someone is transitioning out of the system, it can be difficult, and if they don’t already have connections with a provider, scheduled appointments, or regular medications, it can really become a downward spiral for them.” She added, “We hope that doing this in advance will help stabilize them so that when they leave, they have continuity, and thus are more likely to thrive in their community.”
According to the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice, two-thirds of incarcerated youth suffer from mental or substance use disorders. They are also at higher risk for heart disease, sexually transmitted infections, and premature death in adulthood, as noted by the National Library of Medicine.
The state of Nevada recently sought federal approval and funding to extend Medicaid services to eligible young adults and juveniles up to 90 days before their release. Weeks anticipates a response by this fall.
Nevada Department of Corrections Director, James Dzurenda, emphasized that transitioning back into the community is not solely about avoiding crime. It is about “breaking cycles for better health outcomes.”
Weeks also mentioned the role of healthcare in reducing recidivism. She explained, “For instance, people who may have mental health issues or need substance use treatment, having that readily available allows them to maintain and sustain employment. Once they have employment, they can maintain housing.”
California was the pioneer in implementing this change. Eleven state waivers have been approved, with 13 more pending.
Weeks noted that establishing necessary infrastructures like electronic medical records and addressing staffing needs will take some time. Currently, some facilities, especially in Nevada’s rural areas, lack healthcare staff entirely.
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