South Carolina Medicaid Reentry Policy Change To Suspend, Not Terminate, Linked To Better Health Care Access, But No Effect On Recidivism  

A South Carolina policy change to suspend rather than terminate Medicaid enrollment for previously incarcerated individuals was linked to better health care access for the participants. However, the policy change had no effect on the participants’ recidivism rates. The policy change began in July 2016. Prior to the change, the likelihood was about 46.9% that an ex-offender eligible for Medicaid would enroll within six months after release. After the policy change went into effect, the likelihood was about 58% that an eligible ex-offender would enroll in Medicaid within six months.

After the suspension policy went into effect . . .