By Lisa Pilnik, Margot Cronin-Furman, and Vikki Wachino

Nationwide Medicaid reentry policies create an opportunity to address the needs of youth and young adults by strengthening continuity of care as they are returning to communities. Under Section 5121 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2023, states will use Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover certain services provided to eligible youth and young adults in correctional facilities. Up to 70% of youth involved in the juvenile justice system may have a diagnosable behavioral health condition, including substance use disorders (SUD). The Medicaid provisions present an opportunity for the youth justice system, in partnership with health systems and providers, to ensure that they are not only screening all youth for health-related needs but also connecting youth to evidence-supported services that can improve health and lives. Substance use services can range from office-based talk therapies like motivational interviewing to inpatient adolescent substance use treatment, services ordered by drug courts, and specific forms of medication-assisted treatment (for individuals 18 and older).

Oakland, CA: HARP - Health and Reentry Project, 2025. 26p.