Medicaid Monitor
Policy Intelligence
Medicaid Monitor
Policy Intelligence
Updated 7:32 AM MT
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State Policy·CA·May 22, 2026

California Medi-Cal Expands Pre-Release Services for Justice-Involved Populations

California's Medi-Cal program is providing pre-release services to individuals exiting jails and prisons, including health care, housing assistance, and support services. The initiative aims to improve continuity of care and health outcomes for justice-involved populations transitioning back to communities. The services are available to Medi-Cal enrollees before their release from correctional facilities. This expansion reflects California's implementation of federal guidance allowing states to provide Medicaid services to incarcerated individuals up to 90 days before release, addressing a historically underserved population with complex health and social needs.

Why it matters

Pre-release Medicaid enrollment and care coordination can reduce emergency department utilization, improve medication adherence, and decrease recidivism among justice-involved populations, which represent significant cost and quality improvement opportunities for managed care organizations.

Behavioral Health · Managed Care

Read the full article at chcf.org

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