Addressing Health Equity and Support for Justice-Involved Populations

Did you know, the United States has a higher incarceration rate per capita than any other country in the world?

The U.S. justice system has a long and complex history that has been influenced and affected by policies, politics, and social inequities spanning many decades. Justice-involved populations continue to have higher health risks and death rates following release from incarceration, which is exacerbated by a lack of access to healthcare services within their communities. 

Since Medicaid is the largest source of healthcare coverage for the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged people in the country, it has great potential to become a critical source of coverage for the incarcerated populations who face extreme challenges and have complex healthcare needs. In this way, Medicaid services can be a crucial lever to improving access to care and addressing health equity for justice-involved populations. 

What is the connection between health equity and justice-involved populations? And what can states, providers, and other stakeholders consider to improve outcomes for this population? Explore these answers and more when you read our white paper.