Improve continuity of care for Medicaid-eligible individuals exiting public institutions in Delaware by implementing case management, screenings/diagnostics, and improving inter-agency data sharing. - National evidence suggests lasting physical and behavioral health impacts from incarceration, for both youth and adults. While many health needs are not unique to the carceral population, individuals who were formerly incarcerated are more likely to experience health issues, die of an overdose, and commit suicide. Medicaid plays an important role in supporting individuals transitioning from public institutions to the community. Delaware sees pre-release services and post-release supports as key to promoting success during these transitions for a unique and high needs population. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA), together with subrecipients the Delaware Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF), have the following goal as it relates to the State Planning Grants to Promote Continuity of Care for Medicaid and CHIP Beneficiaries Following Incarceration: promote successful transitions to the community from carceral settings by improving the continuity of care for Medicaid eligible individuals who are inmates of public institutions. Delaware’s application for this Grant is reflective of a broader statewide effort to support individuals’ physical and behavioral health as they leave incarceration and return to the community. This work will be supported by a strong foundation of initiatives that Delaware has pursued in recent years related to the continuity of care for incarcerated individuals returning to the community. Delaware is requesting a Year 1 award amount of approximately $1,046,634 to pursue the goal described above, which DMMA, DOC, and DSCYF will pursue through the following objectives: • Develop operational policies and procedures for DMMA, DOC, and DSCYF to effectuate the requirements of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA) Section 5121 and support pre- and post-release services. • Improve interagency communication and data sharing through enhancements to information technology systems. • Prepare facilities and providers to implement the structural requirements for CAA Section 5121 required services. The proposed budget included in this application includes funding for the development of operational procedures, staff training, development and enhancement of Medicaid billing capabilities, Medicaid rate evaluation, feasibility assessment of CAA Section 5122 requirements, and staffing and consultant support. The Grant funding will be used to address the required activities specified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Delaware looks forward to partnering further with CMS on this opportunity.
