Re-Entry

Washington also included a pre-release initiative (modeled on a federal opportunity) as part of its Waiver Renewal application

Allows states to cover a package of prerelease services for up to 90 days prior to the individual’s expected release date that could not otherwise be covered by Medicaid HCA plans to implement this initiative in 2025

The goals of this initiative are to:

• Improve transitions back to community
• Improve health outcomes (including addressing HRSNs)
• Increase cross-system coordination

I. Case management to assess and address physical and behavioral health needs, and HRSN;

II. MAT for all types of SUD as clinically appropriate, with accompanying counseling;

III. Physical and behavioral health clinical consultation services provided through telehealth or in-person, as needed, to diagnose health conditions, provide treatment, as appropriate, and support pre-release case managers’ development of a post-release treatment plan and discharge planning;

IV. Medications and medication administration;

V. Services provided by community health workers with lived experience;

VI. Laboratory and radiology services; and

VII. A 30-day supply of all prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs (as clinically appropriate) and durable medical equipment and supplies, provided to the beneficiary immediately upon release from the correctional facility, consistent with approved Medicaid or CHIP state plan coverage authority and policy.