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I found this from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid  (link:  http://files.kff.org/attachment/issue-brief-state-medicaid-eligibility-policies-for-individuals-moving-into-and-out-of-incarceration)

 "Current state policies vary with regard to allowing individuals to enroll in Medicaid prior to release. Several states’ policies explicitly allow individuals who are incarcerated to apply for Medicaid (Box 4). Many of these policies specify that individuals who are nearing their release date may apply for Medicaid. Some note that the Medicaid agency must determine eligibility within the standard time period required under federal Medicaid regulations, but that individuals cannot be found eligible or cannot be enrolled in the program until after release.44 However, at least two states, Michigan and North Carolina, appear to suspend eligibility for incarcerated individuals found to qualify for Medicaid. 45 These policies may allow individuals to receive services more quickly after release. Box 4: Examples of State Policies Related to Medicaid Applications for Inmates Washington: “Application for Apple Health (Medicaid) benefits is possible for inmates. Many correctional facilities are incorporating an application for Medicaid into their release planning activities. The agency must accept these applications when an anticipated release date is known that is not over 45 days into the future.” 46 Arizona: “A person may apply for medical assistance before being released, but cannot be approved until the actual date of release.” 47 Michigan: “An individual can remain eligible and an applicant can be determined eligible for Medicaid during a period of incarceration.” 48 A few states require corrections staff to facilitate the application process for individuals nearing release.49 For example, in Connecticut, the Department of Corrections and Department of Social Services have partnered to ensure that individuals who are discharged from a Department of Corrections facility continue to receive necessary health care upon re-entry into the community through Medicaid. The Department of Social Services has provided two eligibility workers dedicated solely to processing Medicaid applications for those individuals determined potentially eligible for assistance.50 Moreover, in New Hampshire, state prison and county jail staff initiate Medicaid applications for individuals nearing release by using an automated process or by completing and mailing all necessary forms to the Medicaid agency.51 Similarly, in Virginia, state prison staff must complete and submit a Medicaid application for individuals who need to be placed in a nursing facility upon release.52 "

Hope this helpful,

Bruce

On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 11:27 AM Leslie Fried <Leslie.Fried@ncoa.org> wrote: