Aligning Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Expansion with the Courts and Justice Agencies

Presented to the Justice & Health Initiative (JHI) Provider Working Group, June 4, 2013
 

People under justice supervision are very likely to have substance use disorders, serious mental illness and/or chronic medical conditions compared with the general population. Through expanded coverage for low-income adults, services are expected to become available for this population. Assuring that effective services are expanded is vital to reducing recidivism. Aligning health system processes, such as Medicaid/insurance enrollment, screening and linkage to care, with justice system process and timing is vital. Managed care processes such as “medical necessity” and “prior authorization” must also be aligned with justice processes in order to gain the greatest benefit from the new resources.