Complete a Research Brief (9 Pages)
Title: Challenges in Providing Mental Health Services to Incarcerated Individuals: Bridging the Gap in Care
I. Introduction
A. Brief overview of the US healthcare safety net
B. Introduction to the issue of mental health care in correctional facilities
C. Thesis statement: Despite the existence of the US healthcare safety net, incarcerated individuals face significant challenges in accessing adequate mental health services, highlighting gaps in care that need to be addressed.
II. Overview of Mental Health Needs in Incarcerated Populations
A. Prevalence of mental health disorders among incarcerated individuals
B. Impact of untreated mental illness on recidivism rates and overall well-being
C. Comparison of mental health needs between incarcerated and non-incarcerated populations
III. Challenges in Providing Mental Health Services within Correctional Facilities
A. Limited resources and funding for mental health services
B. Staff shortages and lack of trained mental health professionals
C. Stigma surrounding mental health in correctional settings
D. Inadequate screening and assessment processes
IV. Connection to Insurance and the US Healthcare Safety Net
A. Overview of insurance coverage for incarcerated individuals
B. Analysis of Medicaid eligibility and coverage for incarcerated populations
1. What is an 11-15 waiver?
2. Utilization of 11-15 waivers in states and their impact on mental health services
Use National Committee for State Legislature
Find the studies – don’t describe each one
EX: Here is a series of studies that look at this….Pennsylvania, Maryland did this this this. Contrary, to other states that did this this this
(Contrast the states waivers DO NOT STATE EACH WAIVER!)
3. Examination of the Medicaid re-entry act and its implications for mental health services
C. Discussion of the role of Medicaid expansion in improving access to mental health services for justice-involved individuals
D. Examination of the limitations of insurance coverage within correctional facilities
E. Impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on mental health services for incarcerated individuals
F. Effects of COVID-19 on mental health services within correctional facilities
V. Strategies for Bridging the Gap in Care
A. Expansion of Medicaid coverage and eligibility criteria for justice-involved individuals
B. Integration of mental health services into correctional healthcare systems
C. Training and education programs for correctional staff on mental health awareness and treatment
D. Implementation of evidence-based practices for screening, assessment, and treatment of mental illness in correctional settings
VI. Case Studies and Best Practices
A. Examples of successful programs and initiatives aimed at improving mental health care for incarcerated individuals
1. Pennsylvania and Maryland as case studies for effective mental health policies
B. Analysis of the effectiveness of integrated healthcare models within correctional facilities
C. Examination of partnerships between correctional facilities, community mental health providers, and insurance companies
VII. Conclusion
A. Recap of the challenges in providing mental health services to incarcerated individuals
B. Emphasis on the importance of addressing these challenges to improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals and promote public safety
C. Call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates to work together to bridge the gap in care within the US healthcare safety net for incarcerated populations.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=medicaid+incarcerated+populations
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37200349/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26643624/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31944846/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35471484/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24432881/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29934825/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30645058/
https://www.ncsl.org/
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/index.html?search_api_fulltext=incarceration&items_per_page=10#content
https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/section-1115-waiver-watch-medicaid-pre-release-services-for-people-who-are-incarcerated/
Medicaid Waiver Tracker: Approved and Pending Section 1115 Waivers by State
