Lawmakers pass Medicaid bill for released detainees, but no movement on parole for elderly

State lawmakers passed a bill to help incarcerated individuals receive Medicaid coverage upon release, but did nothing for aging prisoners wasting away behind bars and racking up the state’s medical tab.

The Legislature passed the so-called Transitional Reentry Health Act in the waning days of the legislative session last week. The law would require prisons and jails to screen and enroll and Medicaid-eligible individuals prior to release. The measure will help ensure continuity of care during what can be a critical gap in treatment for thousands of people exiting prison each year.