Due Process Continuity of Care Act

This bill, known as the Due Process Continuity of Care Act , seeks to ensure continuous medical care for individuals within the justice system. It amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act to eliminate the Medicaid coverage exclusion for individuals who are in custody pending the disposition of charges . This crucial change enables states to provide Medicaid benefits to these individuals, preventing the termination of their eligibility solely due to pre-conviction incarceration. Although states may still suspend coverage during custody, this reform facilitates easier reinstatement of benefits and better coordination of care. To assist states in implementing this significant policy shift, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award planning grants . These grants will help states develop the necessary infrastructure and provider capacity to effectively deliver medical assistance to the newly eligible population. Grant activities include assessing health treatment needs, identifying policy barriers, and creating plans to recruit and train healthcare providers, particularly for physical and behavioral health treatment , including substance use disorder services. States must also establish robust electronic health record systems for billing and ensure quality of care, with $50,000,000 authorized for these geographically diverse grants.