January 14, 2024

For many years, NYS has sought federal waiver approval to be able to enroll New Yorkers in carceral settings in Medicaid before they are released, to ensure continuity of care during a time when formerly incarcerated individuals and especially those with substance use disorders are at great risk of relapse, and death due to the lethality of drugs on our streets.  Our current prohibition from being able to enroll these New Yorkers in Medicaid before leaving these settings is another unfortunate consequence of the federal IMD Exclusion I wrote about yesterday.

The article (attached) discusses New York’s ongoing efforts to secure this important waiver approval, and its omission from the Governor’s State of the State address.