Item:
Title
Support Legislation Protecting Federal Benefits for Pre-Trial Detainees (10min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: December 9, 2019
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to urge members of Congress to support legislation that strengthens counties’ ability to address health care in jails as requested by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) strips federal health benefits from individuals admitted to jail before they are convicted of a crime. This policy violates constitutional rights and individuals' fundamental presumption of innocence. Further, it strains our local judicial, law enforcement, public safety and human services systems and results in higher rates of recidivism and poorer health outcomes.
Two bills are in the U. S. Senate to aid pre-trial individuals who have not yet been convicted of a crime. S. 2626 -Restoring Health Benefits for Justice involved Individuals Act and S. 2628 -Equity in Pretrial Medicaid Coverage Act.
NACo urges that we ask our Senators to co-sponsor the bills in the Senate and ask House members to introduce similar legislation.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Goal 2: Health and Well-Being for All and Goal 3: Safe Community
Resource Persons: Wendy Jacobs, Chair, Durham Board of County Commissioners
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board instruct staff to forward to appropriate letters to Senators Burr and Tillis and Representatives Butterfield and Price.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________