AHCCCS has received federal approval to give incarcerated people a much-needed boost while they transition back into their communities by offering a so-called reentry benefits package.
The goal is to trigger a domino effect that bolsters community safety, improves health outcomes and reduces reincarceration rates.
It’s called a pre-release package and offers coverage for services like case management, doctor visits, medication-assisted substance use treatment or 30-day supplies of other medications.
To qualify, a person must be in prison, eligible for state Medicaid or Kids-Care, and have a release date within 90 days.
Before AHCCCS can start getting people connected with services, though, the recent approval from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services still needs a vote from state lawmakers to finalize it.