According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 18 million Americans have felony convictions, with over 6.9 million currently under some form of correctional supervision. Healthcare access is a big deal, especially for people reentering society after incarceration. Medicaid, the largest public health insurance program in the U.S., can be a vital lifeline.
What Is Medicaid and Who Qualifies?
Medicaid is a state-administered, federally-funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. It covers services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more.
General Medicaid Eligibility:
You can qualify for Medicaid based on:
- Income level (usually under 138% of the federal poverty level in expansion states)
- Disability status
- Pregnancy
- Age (children and elderly)
- Household size
- Citizenship or eligible immigration status
In many states, adults without children can qualify under Medicaid expansion (thanks to the Affordable Care Act), but not all states have adopted this.
Felony status by itself does not disqualify someone from Medicaid.
Can You Get Medicaid While in Prison?
No. Incarcerated individuals are not eligible to receive Medicaid benefits while serving time, with a few limited exceptions.
But there’s an important clarification…
Exception: “Inmate Exclusion Rule”
Under federal law, the “Inmate Exclusion Rule” prohibits Medicaid from paying for health services while someone is incarcerated, unless:
- The individual is admitted to a hospital or psychiatric facility outside the correctional institution
- The hospital stay lasts at least 24 hours
In this case, Medicaid can pay for the hospital bill, even though the person is incarcerated.
What Happens to Medicaid During Incarceration?
This depends heavily on the state’s policy:
| State Policy Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspend | Medicaid is paused during incarceration and reactivated upon release |
| Terminate | Medicaid is fully canceled; individual must reapply post-release |
| Leave Active (rare) | A few states leave Medicaid active, but won’t cover inmate services |
Example:
- California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois suspend Medicaid rather than terminate it.
- Texas, Georgia, and Florida typically terminate Medicaid upon incarceration.
So, reentry planning is crucial, especially if Medicaid needs to be reinstated quickly.
Can Felons Apply for Medicaid After Release?
Absolutely. Once released, individuals are eligible to apply for Medicaid immediately—even on the day of release. In fact, many jails and prisons have reentry programs that help people start the application process before they get out.
What You’ll Need to Apply:
- Social Security Number
- Proof of income or no income
- Release papers or identification
- Address (can be shelter or halfway house)
Use a trusted mailing address (like a reentry center or a relative) to avoid missing important documents.
Reinstating Medicaid: State-by-State Differences
Let’s talk about what happens after incarceration, because the Medicaid reinstatement process varies significantly depending on where you live.
| State | Medicaid Reinstatement Policy |
|---|---|
| California | Medicaid is suspended, automatically reactivated within 30 days of release |
| New York | Suspension system; outreach begins before release |
| Texas | Medicaid is terminated; must reapply fully |
| Florida | Terminated; requires full reapplication |
| Illinois | Suspended; automatic reactivation system in place |
| Washington | Reentry program assists with reapplication |
Some states have “presumptive eligibility” programs that fast-track benefits upon release.
Barriers Felons Face When Getting Medicaid
Even though felons can get Medicaid, they often hit roadblocks. Let’s call them out:
1. Lack of Documentation
- Many returnees don’t have IDs, Social Security cards, or proof of income
- Solution: Apply for replacements while still incarcerated or immediately upon release
2. No Stable Address
- Medicaid requires a mailing address for communication
- Solution: Use a halfway house, shelter, or reentry support center
3. State Bureaucracy
- Long delays, lost paperwork, and confusing eligibility systems can create chaos
- Solution: Work with reentry specialists, legal aid groups, or nonprofits
4. Stigma & Misinformation
- Some felons wrongly believe they’re ineligible for life
- Truth: There is no lifetime Medicaid ban for felons in any U.S. state.
Mental Health, Substance Use, and Medicaid for Felons
The need for mental health services and substance abuse treatment is sky-high among formerly incarcerated people.
- 53% of state prisoners and 45% of federal prisoners had mental health symptoms, per the Department of Justice
- Medicaid covers therapy, medication, inpatient rehab, and outpatient services
Getting Medicaid quickly after release means quicker access to these life-saving services.
More Opportunities: Mental Health in Prisons
How to Apply for Medicaid After a Felony Conviction?
Applying for Medicaid as a felon is no different than for any other adult—except for timing and paperwork.
3 Easy Steps:
- Visit your state’s Medicaid website or healthcare.gov
- Complete the online application or call for assistance
- Upload necessary documents (ID, income verification, release papers)
Example Sites:
Statistics: Medicaid and Felon Populations
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Felons under correctional control (2022) | 6.9 million (BJS) |
| Total U.S. population on Medicaid | 94 million (CMS, 2024) |
| States that suspend Medicaid | 16+ |
| States that terminate Medicaid | ~34 |
| Share of released prisoners needing health care | Over 70% |
Programs Helping Felons Get Medicaid
Several organizations provide direct help:
- The Fortune Society (NY): Helps with Medicaid enrollment and housing
- Legal Action Center: Advocates for reentry and health access
- Justice-Involved Services Program (California): Pre-release Medi-Cal enrollment
- Transitions Clinic Network: Healthcare specifically for former prisoners
Can Felons on Parole or Probation Get Medicaid?
Yes. Once someone is no longer incarcerated, even if they’re on parole or probation, they’re eligible to apply for and receive Medicaid.
There are no federal or state rules that block people on probation or parole from applying—as long as they meet income and residency requirements.
Final Thought
felons can get Medicaid, and they absolutely should, because having access to healthcare is one of the most critical steps toward a stable and successful reentry into society. While incarceration may pause or completely terminate Medicaid coverage depending on the state, that doesn’t mean it’s gone for good. Once released, individuals can either reapply or have their benefits reinstated, especially in states that suspend coverage rather than end it.
Medicaid provides essential services, including mental health care and addiction treatment, which are especially important for those transitioning back into the community. Although the exact rules vary from one state to another, it’s important to note that no state permanently bans felons from Medicaid. That’s a powerful reminder: your past doesn’t block you from getting the healthcare you need for a better future.
FAQs
Do felons lose Medicaid permanently?
No. Felons lose Medicaid coverage only during incarceration in most states, but it can be reinstated or reapplied for after release.
Can undocumented felons get Medicaid?
Only in rare cases. Undocumented individuals are typically not eligible for full-scope Medicaid, but may qualify for emergency services or state-specific aid.
How soon can a felon get Medicaid after release?
Usually within 30-45 days if the application is submitted on time. Some states offer immediate or presumptive eligibility for high-need individuals.
Can Medicaid be used in prison for emergencies?
Yes. If an inmate is hospitalized for more than 24 hours, Medicaid may cover the treatment costs.
