Connecticut Senate Bill SB00135

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/12
• Refer: 2/16/12

Caption

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Health Care To The State's Prison Population.

Impact

The bill directly impacts existing healthcare provisions in state prisons by institutionalizing Medicaid enrollment for eligible inmates, thereby facilitating access to healthcare coverage. The requirement that the state bill Medicaid for relevant medical services could result in significant cost savings for the state. By implementing provider reimbursement rates that do not exceed 110% of the federal Medicaid reimbursement rate, the bill attempts to ensure that care remains economically viable for the state while maintaining quality healthcare delivery to inmates.

Summary

SB00135 aims to enhance healthcare provisions for state prison populations by ensuring that individuals who are eligible for Medicaid coverage are enrolled in the program. Furthermore, it mandates that the state bill Medicaid for medical services rendered to eligible inmates. The proposed legislation is seen as a means to reduce the overall medical costs incurred in managing the health of the incarcerated population. By leveraging Medicaid, the bill seeks to shift some financial responsibility from state funds to the federal program, thereby alleviating budgeting constraints for state correctional facilities.

Contention

While proponents of SB00135 argue it represents a necessary financial reform for state healthcare management in prisons, potential points of contention include concerns over the efficiency of billing processes and the adequacy of healthcare services provided under Medicaid. Critics may also raise issues regarding the quality of care—whether Medicaid reimbursement rates adequately cover necessary services—and whether such reliance on federal funds could lead to variability in the level of care enforced across the prison system.