Inmate Application Process

Inmate Application Process A. Inmates residing in a prison, detention center, local jail or institution for mental diseases (IMD) may file an application for Medicaid while residing in the public institution. Applications are accepted and processed for eligibility if covered inpatient hospital services have been received. If the applicant has not received inpatient services at the time of application but the applicant is otherwise eligible, eligibility is suspended until such time as the individual is released from the public institution. During the periods of suspension, annual reviews will be conducted. Inmates whose release is imminent may file an application or have their suspended eligibility reviewed for Medicaid coverage in all available coverage groups in order to have Medicaid eligibility upon release. The Central Office of the Division of Medicaid coordinates pre-release applications with the specific public institution. B. Inmates who have had their eligibility suspended while in a public institution or IMD have eligibility reviews conducted annually.