Many inmates are released from prison without health insurance, leaving those with serious mental illnesses without services that could prevent relapse and a return to institutionalization. This article reviews a program piloted in three prisons in Oklahoma that assists inmates in enrolling in Medicaid upon release, finding that additional support and coordination can result in higher enrollment.

Wenzlow, A., et. al. (2011). Effects of a discharge planning program on Medicaid coverage of state prisoners with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 62:73- 78. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.62.1.73. http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/62/1/73 

Authors: Audra T. Wenzlow, Henry T. Ireys, Bob Mann, Carol Irvin, and Judith L. Teich