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Louisiana expands Medicaid coverage for inmates before release

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has formally approved Louisiana’s 1115 Reentry Demonstration, authorizing the state to receive Federal Financial Participation (FFP) for providing Medicaid pre‑release services to eligible incarcerated individuals. Louisiana is one of three states receiving new demonstration approvals, alongside Minnesota and Nevada, as part of CMS’s national initiative to strengthen continuity of care for individuals returning to their communities. The waiver positions Louisiana to join 18 other states implementing CMS-approved reentry demonstrations.Louisiana’s demonstration will allow both Medicaid-required and state-defined coverage for specific services during the 60 days prior to release, removing gaps in care created by the existing inmate exclusion.“Louisiana is leading the way with an approach that can improve health, strengthen communities, and help people successfully return to their families and build productive lives,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “I appreciate CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and our federal partners for working with our team to move this important initiative forward.”“Our goal from the beginning has been to build a system that helps keep Louisianians safe while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently and effectively,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “By beginning care before release and connecting people with providers in their communities, we can improve health outcomes and build a more effective, sustainable system of care.”LDH is preparing to launch the demonstration at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in early 2027, followed by remaining state prisons and participating parish jails.

Louisiana · 24d