HR 2829: The Recidivism Reduction Act

June 11, 2009 House Resolution (HR) 2829, The Recidivism Reduction Act, seeks rapid restoration of federal disability benefits including Medicaid to people with mental illness who are re-entering the community following incarceration. A key change will require states to suspend, rather than terminate Medicaid eligibility for inmates with mental illness. Suspension is used in 10 states: Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, and Oregon. Currently states have the option to suspend; federal rules only require that states ensure that inmates do not receive federal benefits. Most states terminate benefits to avoid errors. Download the . . .