Louisiana leaders work to improve medical care for people in prison

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana leaders are trying to improve medical care for people in prison or jail.

The 1115 demonstration waiver aims to improve healthcare services for inmates eligible for Medicaid. This would allow Louisiana Medicaid to provide approved services like substance use treatment, case management and a 30-day supply of medication.

“Crime is statewide, and we know there is an interplay between mental health and crime,” Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Pete Croughan said.

The Louisiana Department of Health said inmates can qualify 90 days before their release date. Croughan said all state facilities and 13 parish prisons qualify.

“We want to make sure people get the mental health treatment that they need,” Croughan said.

Croughan said the department wants to make sure people get what they need, including medications and equipment, after they are released from jail.

The state health department said the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can take a little over a year before plans are implemented.

A public hearing will be at noon on Friday, Aug. 16 at the Shreveport Behavioral Health Clinic. Public comments will be open until Aug. 30. Click here to see how to submit a comment.