John,
If someone relies on Medicaid for their care — like 72 million people in the U.S. do — their coverage can be cut off the moment they’re incarcerated.
Not after conviction.
Not after sentencing.
Immediately.
Why? Because of an outdated federal law called the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP). This devastating loophole in our criminal legal system is causing real damage to the health and safety of those locked away awaiting trial — individuals who have not been convicted of a crime, yet remain incarcerated primarily because they cannot afford bail. Typically, people who cannot afford bail are also covered by Medicaid.
This Disability Pride Month, we’re asking our members to rally behind the Due Process Continuity of Care Act — a bill that would finally end MIEP and guarantee healthcare access to those awaiting trial.
Right now, this policy allows the government to terminate Medicaid access as soon as someone is booked into jail — even if they haven’t been convicted of anything. And since nearly a third of all people who enter the criminal justice system are enrolled in Medicaid before incarceration and nearly 40% of state and federal prisoners report having a disability, that community is particularly affected by this misguided policy. They risk losing their health care at a moment when they are sure to need it most. This isn’t just wrong — it’s cruel.
Tell Congress: no one awaiting trial should be denied health care, especially our most vulnerable communities. Sign the petition and send a message.
This is about fairness, dignity, and justice. Many people in pretrial detention come from low-income communities, including disabled individuals and those with mental health conditions. These folks rely on Medicaid for their care and risk losing it simply because they can’t afford bail.
A bill like this could ultimately save lives. Sign the petition and tell your lawmakers to act now and end this unfair coverage gap.
This loophole is a denial of justice. It’s time to end it.
Sign the Petition
In solidarity,
— Dream.Org
