Reentry Act of 2025

The Reentry Act of 2025 proposes a significant amendment to Title XIX of the Social Security Act , which governs Medicaid. This legislation would allow states to provide medical assistance to incarcerated individuals during the 30-day period preceding their release from public institutions. The primary goal is to ensure that individuals have access to crucial healthcare services as they transition back into the community, addressing a current exclusion that prevents such coverage. Beyond this core change, the bill mandates that the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 18 months of enactment. This report will analyze the current standards for health and safety in correctional settings, assess the preliminary impact of the new amendment on healthcare coverage and community reintegration, and describe existing practices for inmate discharge and Medicaid enrollment. Furthermore, MACPAC is tasked with providing recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to improve health coverage and facilitate effective transitions to community services for newly released individuals.