Three counties in California implemented a new program which will provide Medi-Cal to persons leaving prisons and jails.

California became the first state in the nation approved to use Medicaid funding for specific services 90-days prior to residents release, according to Capradio.

Counties like Inyo, Santa Clara, and Yuba were approved by the California Department of Health Care and Services to offer physical and behavioral health consultations, lab services, and medication prior to being released from prison.

The report stated the program will focus on mental illness care and substance use disorder treatment. The program is open to any individual eligible for Medi-Cal in prison. CDHCS stated that at least 80% of the 350,000 individuals leaving prison or jail are eligible for Medi-Cal.

In January 2023, the state’s multi-year effort to better meet health and social needs of people leaving, started with California by advancing and innovating Medi-Cal justice involved initiative.

Capradio credited the federal government waiver of their restriction on offering Medicaid to incarcerated people. California plans to require all counties to participate by October 2026.

CDCR parole program contacts and more information can be found on the California Health Care Foundation website.

Prerelease Community Programs where individuals can serve the end of sentences:

• Alternative Custody Program (Statewide).
• Caltrans Parolee Work Crew Program (Alameda, Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Bernardino, and San Joaquin.
• Community Prisoner Mother Program (Los Angeles).
• Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Joaquin).
• Day Reporting Center/ Community-Based Coalition (23 counties).
• Female Offender Treatment and Employment Program (El Dorado, Los Angeles, Merced, Orange, and San Bernardino.
• Male Community Reentry Program (Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Kern, Los Angeles, Nevada, Placer, and San Diego).
• Residential programs and support services include substance use treatment, cognitive behavior therapies, transitional housing, and job placement and training.
• Parolee Service Center (San Diego).
• Specialized Treatment for Optimized Programming (most counties).
• Transitional Housing Program (Los Angeles).

Outpatient and drop-in programs offer employment assistance, relationship and family reintegration, CBT, education/ vocational, and housing.