Due Process Continuity of Care Act
Due Process Continuity of Care Act
Plain Language Summary
# Due Process Continuity of Care Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would allow states to provide Medicaid health coverage to people who are in jail awaiting trial (called "pretrial detainees"). Currently, federal law generally bars Medicaid from covering people in custody, which means they lose their health insurance while detained. This bill makes that coverage optional for states to offer, rather than prohibited, and provides federal grants to help states plan and implement such programs. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect pretrial detainees (people held in jail who haven't been convicted yet), their families, and states' correctional and health systems.
It could also impact state budgets and healthcare administrators responsible for Medicaid programs. By maintaining coverage during detention, the bill could affect continuity of care for people with chronic conditions, mental health issues, or substance use disorders. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Sylvester Turner (D-TX) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Due Process Continuity of Care Act This bill allows an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending disposition of charges (i.e., pretrial detainees) to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state. The bill also provides for state planning grants to support the provision of such benefits.
Latest Action
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Ms. Dexter asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1510, a bill originally introduced by Representative Turner (TX), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.