Medicaid suspension
Health Care Authority (HCA) provides educational webinars, videos and presentations sharing information about Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Suspension and Care Coordination for justice-involved individuals receiving health care coverage.
Medicaid suspension and care coordination
Individuals in the custody of the criminal justice system (also known as justice-involved individuals) need seamless access to community treatment networks and medical assistance, upon release from custody, to prevent gaps in treatment and reduce barriers to accessing care. Access to care is critical to reducing repeat offenses and decreasing the costs of relapse, deteriorating mental health, and crisis care.
Substitute Senate Bill 6430
SSB 6430 directs HCA to suspend, rather than terminate, medical assistance benefits for individuals who are incarcerated or committed to a state hospital, since July 1, 2017. The intent is to provide continuity of care for individuals upon reentry into the community.
Learn more about the implementation of this bill:
- Prior authorization process guidance document: for incarcerated clients needing access to behavioral health services
- SSB 6430 fact sheet
- Medicaid suspension FAQ