Connecticut Senate Bill SB00208

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/12
• Refer: 2/22/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Reducing Inmate Health Care Costs.

Impact

If passed, the bill would modify existing statutes to require the Department of Correction in coordination with the Department of Social Services to guarantee that inmates who are eligible for Medicaid are properly enrolled and that healthcare providers bill Medicaid for related services. This could potentially shift a significant portion of the cost of inmate healthcare from the state to the federal government, thereby improving budgetary allocations for other state programs.

Summary

SB00208, titled 'An Act Concerning Reducing Inmate Health Care Costs,' aims to decrease the financial burden on the state related to the healthcare expenses of inmates. The bill seeks to implement procedures that will ensure that all inmates are screened for Medicaid eligibility and enrolled in the program to leverage federal reimbursement for their medical care. This change is intended to not only alleviate state expenditures but also improve the healthcare access for incarcerated individuals, who often experience limited medical resources.

Contention

Despite the potential financial benefits, there may be notable points of contention among lawmakers. Critics might argue that relying heavily on federal programs like Medicaid for inmate healthcare could lead to complications regarding state and federal compliance standards. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of care provided under such systems and whether inmates receive the same quality of service as non-incarcerated patients. Supporters will likely frame the bill as a necessary step toward standardizing inmate care and reducing state liabilities, while opponents could emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards of health service independent of cost-saving measures.