To provide justice-involved youth and those previously in the foster care system through the age 26, with seamless access to Medicaid services and continuity of coverage prior to, and after release. - The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration requests funding for an initiative designed to improve the continuity of health care provided to the state’s youth population involved with the justice system through the age of 21, and those who were previously in the foster care system through the age of 26. One of Indiana’s most pressing concerns is the provision of continuous and comprehensive healthcare services to youth involved with the justice system. Many justice-involved youths suffer from complex health needs, including mental health and substance use disorders, but face interruptions in care during detention or incarceration. The lack of Medicaid coverage during these periods often results in untreated health complications, increased risk of recidivism, and poor long-term outcomes. The project’s ultimate purpose is to provide the affected population with seamless access to Medicaid services such as EPSDT screenings, comprehensive care coordination, and continuity of coverage prior to, and after release. According to data pulled from Indiana’s Eligibility and Enrollment system; of the 9,979 Hoosiers throughout the State who had their Medicaid coverage suspended in 2022 due to incarceration, 474 of those citizens were in the target population (under 21 years of age or a former foster child up to age 26). Data compiled from other states regarding this issue demonstrates that a significant portion of justice-involved youth do not have timely access to preventive services such as EPSDT screenings or coordinated reentry support, underscoring the critical need for an enhanced system. Moreover, compliance with recent federal mandates (CAA 2023 Section 5121 and CAA 2024 Section 205) necessitates Indiana to adapt its current operations to support suspending, rather than terminating, Medicaid coverage in addition to providing services prior to release for incarcerated individuals. The support provided by this funding opportunity is crucial to addressing the urgent needs of Indiana’s justice involved youth. With the capacity to develop robust cross-agency partnerships, processes, and system upgrades, the State can ensure no youth is left without essential health care coverage. Indiana FSSA’s Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) will conduct the planning grant work, coordinate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and work closely with Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) colleagues throughout the life of the grant. By addressing these areas of need, Indiana will develop a model system of care designed to improve health and wellness of the youth population, while simultaneously reducing recidivism among those involved in the justice system. This undertaking will be accomplished by identifying critical gaps in the current system, bolstering inter-agency coordination, and leveraging new federal options. The scope of this project has the capacity to significantly improve the overall health, wellness, and quality of life for Indiana’s youth population.
