Package of Reentry Bills Focus on Medical Needs
Package of Reentry Bills Focus on Medical Needs
Committee Approves Cryan, Vitale & Stack Measures to Address Vital Health Care Needs of Inmates & Former Offenders
Trenton – Acting to address one of the most challenging barriers to the successful reentry into society of former offenders, a Senate committee today approved a series of bills focusing on the provision of medical care. Sponsored by Senator Joe Cryan, Senator Joe Vitale and Senator Brian Stack, the eight bills will help meet the health care needs of a medically complex population of patients before and after their release from incarceration.
“If we want to give former offenders a fair opportunity at a second chance, we have to help address the obstacles to their successful reentry into society,” said Senator Cryan, a former Union County Sherriff. “The absence of adequate medical care during their incarceration and after their release can have serious and costly consequences. There are effective actions we can take to provide basic health care services that prevent serious conditions, avoid more costly treatments and save lives.”
The bills would promote the use of Medicaid services, screen for hepatitis, provide for treatment for alcohol and drug dependency, and improve access to other basic needs after release, including housing, food, clothing, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, employment and education.
“Access to health care services during reentry is a significant problem for former offenders,” said Senator Vitale, the chairman of the Senate Health Committee. “Knowing where to go to continue care can be challenging and navigating the healthcare system is difficult. Doing all we can to make sure those eligible for Medicaid take advantage of the opportunity will make a real difference.”
Senator Vitale stressed the importance of pre-enrolling in Medicaid so the coverage takes effect when inmates are released, and the value of treatment for substance abuse disorders, including “medication assisted treatment,” which has proven to be highly effective.
“There is a high rate of hepatitis among the incarcerated population and up to two-thirds of those with the disease are unaware that they are infected – much less treated,” said Senator Stack, in reference to the bill that would provide for testing for hepatitis B and C. “The potentially fatal consequences of liver disease and liver failure can be averted if the disease is detected and treated.”
The bills are largely the product of recommendations from the 2019 New Jersey Reentry Services Commission Report entitled “Barriers, Best Practices, and Action Items for Improving Reentry Services.”
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All the bills were approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
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