Spring 2017:

Project Problem/Question/Issue:

This project would be based on the Delaware Corrections Department canceling Medicaid coverage for prisoners instead of suspending coverage. Their Medicaid coverage can be reinstated but there is a delay when prisoners are released and they then have to cope with a lack of Medicaid coverage. This results in their losing support for needed prescriptions, e.g. for psychotropic medication, diabetes, or treatment for drug abuse issues, until the benefits are reinstated. Some other states do not do this; they suspend but do not cancel Medicaid coverage. Among the issues related to the policy: What are the impacts of this loss of coverage on those released? What individual stories of impact can be shared? What led to this policy and what are the obstacles to changing it? Which states suspend and which cancel? What is the experience of those states? What policy recommendations would address these issues?

Requested Deliverable:

Policy analysis report, focused on recommending state-level administrative policy change or a legislative strategy for the ACLU-DE to pursue if necessary, plus a final oral briefing for the client and senior staff.

Client:

• Kathleen MacRae, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Association of Delaware

Faculty Supervisor:

• Dr. Andrea Sarzynski

Final Deliverables:

• Report
• Presentation
• Policy Memo