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 insurance to people who are in jail awaiting trial (called pretrial detainees). Currently, federal rules typically stop Medicaid coverage once someone is incarcerated. The bill makes this optional for states—they could choose to cover pretrial detainees if they want to.
It also provides federal grants to help states plan and implement these coverage programs. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects pretrial detainees (people held in local jails while awaiting trial), as well as states and county jails that would manage such programs. It could also indirectly benefit people released from jail, as continuous health coverage might reduce barriers to reentry and healthcare access. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken to move it forward at this time.
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.