Plain-language brief by Greg Robinson, Natalie Kean, & Ruby Siegel
Each year in the United States, more than 600,000 people get out of prison. Another 9 million people go in and out of local jails. People with disabilities and people of color end up in jails and prisons more than other groups.
Disabled people can have a lot of problems when they get out of jail or prison. They might not get the services and support they need while in jail or prison. They might not know how to get help once they get out of prison. People of color might face racism that makes it harder to get housing, jobs, and community support.
This paper talks about people with disabilities and older adults. We will talk about the problems people face when they leave jails or prisons. We will talk about how Medicaid helps give health care to disabled people who get out of jails or prisons. We will also talk about how Medicaid gives people long-term services and supports.