Medicaid Cuts Will Harm Justice-Involved Individuals Transitioning Out of Incarceration

Executive Summary

This so-called One Big Beautiful Bill will cut billions from Medicaid and heavily impact individuals who are transitioning out of incarceration. A high proportion of justice-involved individuals are eligible for Medicaid, especially in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Ensuring that people who are in carceral settings are enrolled in Medicaid and connected with services upon release is key to reducing the exacerbation of health conditions and mortality during reentry, ensuring continuity of care, and preventing recidivism. This bill will harm low-income individuals who are formerly incarcerated by imposing unnecessary barriers that will restrict access to life-saving health services during reentry.