Bill Overview
Title: Due Process Continuity of Care Act
Description: This bill allows an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending disposition of charges (i.e., pretrial detainees) to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state. The bill also provides funds for state planning grants to support the provision of such benefits.
Sponsors: Rep. Trone, David J. [D-MD-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in custody pending disposition of charges (pretrial detainees)
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill targets individuals who are in custody pending disposition of charges, also known as pretrial detainees.
- This population can include individuals who are held in jails or detention centers across the world.
- Globally, an estimated 3.2 million people are held in pretrial detention at any given time.
- The bill also involves Medicaid, which is specific to the United States, indicating that the primary impact is on U.S. citizens who are pretrial detainees.
- Other countries have their own systems of pretrial detention and medical benefits, but the specific mechanism of Medicaid is unique to the U.S.
Reasoning
- The policy is targeted at pretrial detainees, a population with approximately 500,000 individuals in the U.S. at any given time.
- The policy may have a varying impact depending on whether states choose to opt-in or not, as it involves Medicaid benefits.
- Due to budgetary constraints, it's likely only a portion of the population will be covered initially, thus not all pretrial detainees will experience changes immediately.
- Exposure to healthcare through Medicaid can improve attendees' wellbeing scores, especially due to increased access to healthcare services.
- Interviews will include those both directly impacted and those marginally or not impacted at all to reflect diversity in situation and impact.
Simulated Interviews
Retail worker (Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will allow me to get the medical treatment I need without my family worrying about the costs.
- It's tough not knowing if I'll have access to necessary medications while I wait for trial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Unemployed (California)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ability to get healthcare while waiting for my case to go through could be life-saving for me.
- It's nice to see a policy that considers our health needs even though we're detained.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Construction worker (New York)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it'll be really useful for those of us who need regular healthcare while dealing with our cases.
- Access to diabetes care is my biggest concern right now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Nurse (Florida)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this legislation as it could help my son and many others maintain their health while awaiting trial.
- These detainees are often forgotten about, so this policy is a crucial step.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software developer (Illinois)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't need much medical care, I think this policy is good for those who do.
- It's one less thing to worry about during a stressful time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Teacher (Ohio)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step forward in humanity and justice reform.
- Detainees deserve dignity during their pretrial process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Alabama)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about how this affects my family's finances, so Medicaid coverage would help.
- Every resource counts when you're in a tough spot.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired (Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's upsetting to know my grandson may not get proper care pretrial.
- I hope this policy can change that for him and others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Public defender (Michigan)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could tremendously help my clients who don't have resources while detained.
- Pretrial shouldn't mean a loss of basic rights like healthcare.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Small business owner (Nevada)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having been in their shoes, I know this kind of policy is necessary.
- Healthcare in pretrial detention should be a given, not an option.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $800000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 2: $810000000 (Low: $640000000, High: $1020000000)
Year 3: $820000000 (Low: $660000000, High: $1040000000)
Year 5: $850000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $1100000000)
Year 10: $900000000 (Low: $760000000, High: $1160000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $2000000000)
Key Considerations
- State participation in the Medicaid expansion for pretrial detainees will vary, affecting the overall cost and coverage.
- Long-term savings from reduced recidivism and improved health outcomes are potential but uncertain.
- Administrative and planning efficiency is critical to mitigate additional costs.