New Medi-Cal Program Ensures Continuity of Care for Individuals Being Released from Incarceration

California leads the way once again in spearheading efforts to improve health equity and outcomes for its population. Early last year, Medi-Cal received federal approval for its Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative (JIRI) which offers targeted services to address some of the most critical health care needs of Medi-Cal eligible individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. Among these services will be mental health and substance use disorder (SUD)-related care that will begin 90 days prior to an individual’s release from custody. Effective October 1, 2024, the initial rollout of JIRI services will be available in 3 counties (Inyo, Santa Clara, and Yuba), but will expand to every California county by October 1, 2026. Given that a disproportionate percentage of the state’s incarcerated population is comprised of racial and ethnic minorities, this program will have a particular impact on individuals who are most at risk for their health care needs not being adequately addressed post-release.