Youth transitioning out of residential facilities face numerous challenges, including inadequate healthcare and social support. Justice-involved youth (JIY) are at high risk for poor health outcomes, recidivism, and struggles with reintegration into society. In recognition of these needs, the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2022 mandated that states receiving Medicaid funding must provide health and social risk assessments to JIY 30 days before and post-release. With a compliance deadline looming at the start of 2025, state agencies must act quickly and proactively to establish systems that meet these requirements. 

Understanding the Mandate: Why It Matters 

The federal mandate recognizes the need for continued support of the JIY population in order to help their successful reentry into society. However, for state Medicaid agencies, the mandate presents a complex challenge that requires specialized knowledge, collaboration, and, often, comprehensive support services. By proactively aligning with the 2025 federal mandate, enhancing assessments, and implementing coordinated aftercare services, states can offer targeted, tailored services to the JIY population and prevent their return to the justice system. State agencies should prioritize the following three initiatives to be successful: 

1. Understand Their Needs through Specialized Assessments
   Comprehensive support systems that include health risk assessments, case management, and coordinated care significantly reduce the risk of recidivism and offer these young individuals a better chance at a stable future. It’s critical for your agency to deliver assessments that consider the immediate health risks and the social factors—such as housing and employment—that play a crucial role in long-term success. For example, Acentra Health uses an advanced care management platform and sophisticated analytics to seamlessly integrate health risk and social risk assessments with ongoing care coordination. 
2. Focus on Continuity of Care
   JIY are often released into environments lacking the structured support necessary for successful reentry into society. Studies from organizations like SAMHSA have consistently shown that individuals without access to proper healthcare, housing, or aftercare programs are more likely to face re-incarceration. 

   The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) highlights that to support JIY reintegrating into society, juvenile justice institutions need new workflows and partnerships with community-based entities to effectively offer healthcare services within facilities and ensure continuity of care upon reentry. 

   Soft handoffs are a key element in ensuring continuity of care. They guarantee smooth transitions between services and prevent youth from falling through the cracks once they leave the justice system. These handoffs are vital to ensuring that JIY receive the necessary health and social care services during this critical period, helping reduce recidivism risk and improve long-term outcomes. 

3. Deliver Comprehensive Care
   Studies have demonstrated that when youth exiting residential facilities are supported with robust healthcare, risk assessments, and aftercare programs, their chances of reoffending diminish considerably. This underscores the critical importance of early interventions—such as health risk —that help youth establish a path to wellness and stability prior to and upon release. 

   At the heart of Acentra Health’s approach is a commitment to accelerating better outcomes by enabling states to provide more comprehensive care to JIY and to reduce recidivism.  providing these services, state agencies can help transform the lives of young individuals, creating pathways to successful reentry into society. 

 

Helping Yout Going Forward

As with all new policies, navigating this mandate can be daunting for state Medicaid program leaders. The complexity of implementing health and social risk assessments and the subsequent care coordination requires an experienced partner. Experts suggest leveraging an experienced strategic partner with the following capabilities:  

• Deep clinical expertise and experience in providing comprehensive assessments, case management, and care coordination. 

• A proven record of helping states meet new requirements.  

• Expertise in helping younger individuals access much-needed health services and capabilities to support youth exiting incarceration. 

Are you ready for the deadline? Make Sure You’re Compliant – Reach Out Today 

The 2025 deadline is rapidly approaching. Contact Acentra Health today to learn more about how we can help you shape a brighter, more secure future and accelerate better outcomes for your youth.