Rutherford, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Reentry Act
This bipartisan legislation will save lives by allowing states to restore access to healthcare for incarcerated individuals 30 days before release.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05), along with Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Mike Turner (OH-10), and David Trone (MD-06), introduced the Reentry Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to restore access to healthcare, including addiction and mental health treatment through Medicaid, for incarcerated individuals up to 30 days before their release. This bill addresses alarming data which shows individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release.
“Continuity of care for those leaving the prison system has been an ongoing focus of mine. Throughout my time in law enforcement I saw many individuals reoffend time and time again as they struggled to break the cycle of substance abuse,” said Congressman Rutherford. “I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in creating a pathway for individuals who are released from prison to receive the mental health and addiction support they need. This legislation is smart on crime, saves lives, and reduces recidivism.”
“Communities across the nation are grappling with devastating, and worsening impacts of the overdose crisis, and for individuals returning home from incarceration, the dangers of this epidemic are exponentially greater,” said Congressman Tonko. “By restarting benefits for Medicaid-eligible Americans prior to release, the bipartisan Reentry Act takes swift, needed action to combat the disease of addiction and bring targeted treatment to the people who face the most immediate risk. In short, our bill will save lives, lower costs, and reduce recidivism. I urge Congress to join us in advancing the Reentry Act without delay to combat the disease of addiction and provide hope to our communities.”
“Recidivism and rates of overdose are disproportionately high among those who have recently been released from prison. The Reentry Act permits eligible incarcerated persons to begin receiving Medicaid benefits 30 days prior to their release from prison so that they can begin treatment for substance abuse during an especially vulnerable period. I am proud to introduce this important legislation that will save lives by helping communities in Ohio and across the country combat the opioid epidemic,” said Congressman Turner.
“As the co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Second Chance Task Force, I’m proud to be joining Representatives Tonko, Turner, and Rutherford in introducing the Reentry Act as our first task force bill,” said Congressman Trone. “Studies show that incarcerated individuals suffer from a mental health condition or a substance use disorder at very high rates. If we want these folks to have the best chance of successfully reentering society, we must ensure they have access to basic needs like health care. The Reentry Act sets returning citizens up for success and saves lives.”
The Reentry Act has garnered the support of more than 60 organizations. Read statements of support and a full list of supporting organizations here.
Background:
The Reentry Act
- Restarts benefits for Medicaid-eligible.
- Makes it easier for states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allowing for smoother transitions to community care and a reduced risk of overdose deaths post-release.
- Does not change eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
A fact sheet for the bill is attached here.
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