Tradeoffs The Medicaid Policy Red and Blue States Agree On
Aug 7, 2025
Ryan Levy, a producer at Tradeoffs focused on Medicaid policies, leads a riveting discussion on the bipartisan push to extend Medicaid coverage to individuals transitioning out of incarceration. The conversation highlights the significant health challenges former inmates face and the legislative reforms aimed at improving their reintegration. With insights from experts across various states, the dialogue underscores the critical importance of healthcare access post-release and shares compelling personal stories that illuminate the systemic barriers these individuals encounter.
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Lee Reed's Tough Release Journey
- Lee Reed was released from prison with severe chronic pain and no support system.
- He slept in a parking garage stairwell and struggled to access medical care and stability.
High Post-Release Mortality Risk
- People are at dramatically increased risk of death right after prison release.
- Drug overdose is the leading cause of death in the first two weeks post-release.
Medicaid's Inmate Exclusion Hurdle
- Federal law prohibits Medicaid from covering incarcerated individuals' healthcare.
- Connecting people to Medicaid immediately after release is bureaucratically challenging and often too late.