Justice-Involved Pre-Release Enrollment Program

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is working with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DOC), the Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ), and local and parish jails and prisons to help people get Medicaid before they are released. This program makes sure people can get the medical care they need as soon as they return to the community.  People may get Medicaid through the Adult Group, the new 5121 program, and once approved, the 1115 Justice-Involved Waiver.

Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) help make sure Medicaid starts on time and that people are getting care after they are released if they are covered under the Adult Group or the 1115 Waiver (once approved.  The 5121 program is managed by Statistical Resouces Inc (SRI), not by the MCOs.  The rules and steps for the 5121 program are listed below. 

What is the 5121 Program?
The 5121 Program is a partnership with Louisiana parish/city jails, the Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C) and the Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ). The program allows Medicaid to be suspended during incarceration and reactivated before release for eligible young adults, so they leave custody with active health coverage on day one.

Who is eligible?
Any youth under 21 or young adult up to age 26 who is currently incarcerated in a Louisiana parish/city jail, DPS&C prison, or OJJ facility, and who was enrolled in Medicaid when they were incarcerated. (They must still meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.)

What services are covered?

• Full Medicaid benefits (medical, behavioral, substance use disorder, hospital, etc)
  
• Prescription coverage (begins at release)
  
• Case management and reentry coordination.
  
• Connection to a health plan.

What do facilities need to do?

• Identify eligible individuals within 90 days of their release.
• Share info with the Louisiana Department of Health so they can:
  • Start reentry planning/case management.
  • Ensure Medicaid is reactivated within 30 days of release.
  • Coordinate with the individual’s health plan and providers for smooth transition.

Why participation matters?

• Keeps members healthier and reduces care gaps after release.
  
• Supports recovery and lowers overdose and/or relapse risk.
  
• Benefits the community by reducing ER use and costly repeat incarcerations.

Questions? Contact:
Miranda Winters – Program Manager
(225) 342-6229 • [email protected] 

Resources

• 5121 Enrollment Flyer
• Justice-Involved Pre-Release Enrollment Program Manual
• Appendix A: DOC Facility Contacts
• Appendix B: DOC In/Out Process
• Appendix C: DOC Lock In File Extract
• Appendix D: Information for Releasing Offenders
• Appendix E: Health Plan Chart
• Appendix F: Welcome to Healthy Louisiana FAQs
• Appendix G: Information for Offenders Releasing without Medicaid
• Appendix H: DOC Enrollment Supplemental Signature Form
• Appendix I: DOC Opt-Out Medicaid Form
• Appendix J: High-need Criteria effective 7/1/23
• Appendix K: Opt-Out Case Management Form
• Appendix L: DOC Records Transfer Summary
• Appendix M: M: Guidance on Scheduling Pre-Release Case Management Visits
• Appendix N: Recommended Content for First Case Management Visit
• Appendix O: Transfer of Care Release Follow-Up Form
• Appendix P: Case Management Observation Form
• Appendix Q: Change of Address Form