The proposed bill, titled "The Medicaid Reentry Act," aims to amend Title 42 of the General Laws by introducing Chapter 56.4, which focuses on maintaining Medicaid enrollment for individuals incarcerated in adult correctional institutions or juvenile correctional facilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of access to same day and next day physical and behavioral health services for successful reentry into the community, particularly during the first thirty days of incarceration. It mandates that individuals enrolled in Medicaid prior to incarceration retain their coverage for this initial period, and for those not enrolled, the executive office of health and human services is tasked with determining eligibility and enrolling them upon entry.

The bill also requires that the department of corrections notify the executive office of health and human services of an individual's upcoming release to allow for timely updates to Medicaid status. The executive office of health and human services is not required to provide medical assistance benefits to incarcerated individuals prior to release unless a demonstration waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act is approved.

Additionally, within ninety days after the effective date of this chapter, the executive office of health and human services, in consultation with the department of corrections, must apply for a demonstration waiver to offer Medicaid benefits to qualified inmates for at least thirty days immediately before their release. This initiative aims to facilitate access to necessary health services and medications, thereby improving health outcomes for individuals transitioning back into the community. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.