The At-Risk Youth Medicaid Protection Act would ensure that that program eligibility for youth enrolled in a Medicaid program prior to incarceration is not terminated upon entering a residential facility. This bill proposes “suspending” coverage so that upon release, eligibility benefits can be restored to youth. 70% of youth in the juvenile system suffer from a mental disorder and have a higher than average rate of substance abuse. It is vital that they have access to healthcare upon release to reduce their chance of recidivism.
