HEA 1269 Summary

• Establishes the Department of Correction as Medicaid authorized representative for eligible inmates to apply for Medicaid coverage for medical expenses during incarceration and upon release on parole, community transition, or discharge.

• Requires the Department of Correction to reimburse the state share of Medicaid costs for inmates through a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services.

• Makes county sheriffs Medicaid authorized representatives for individuals subject to lawful detention who are potentially eligible for Medicaid, with counties responsible for reimbursing state share of costs.

• Expands Medicaid coverage eligibility and creates provisions for mental health treatment access through approved providers for incarcerated individuals with mental illness or addictive disorders.

• Establishes new requirements for health care reimbursement rates (Medicare rates plus 4% or 65% of charges when no Medicare rate exists) and adds provisions for telemedicine services coverage, mental health first aid training programs, and midwifery certification standards.