This report outlines Federal and State eligibility, enrollment, and outreach strategies that can facilitate healthcare coverage for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, who are at high risk for physical and mental health needs.
As States and juvenile justice stakeholders look for ways to facilitate healthcare coverage and access for youth in their juvenile justice systems, there are opportunities available at both the Federal and State levels. These opportunities can improve eligibility, enrollment, and outreach processes. Medicaid eligibility strategies in several States have already improved coverage for juvenile justice-involved youth, and consumer assistance programs created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will provide additional resources to support continuity of care as youth move from institutional to community healthcare. Collaboration among Medicaid and juvenile justice systems and stakeholders will be essential in order to take advantage of the opportunities presented by healthcare reform. This report provides guidance on increasing enrollment of juvenile justice-involved youth in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); transition in coverage between Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA exchanges; and evidence-based practices for meeting the needs of juvenile justice-involved youth. 49 notes and appended Federal-State Dialogue on Improving Health Coverage for Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth (2013 workshop)