Health care is key for youths getting out of prison. A new law helps them get it

It's common for young people leaving jails and prisons to end up back behind bars, often after lapses related to untreated mental illness or substance abuse. A new law will help them get Medicaid.

Health care is key for youths getting out of prison. A new law helps them get it
The law went into effect Jan. 1 and says youth up to 21 or foster youth up to 26 should be connected to health care before or soon after they leave prisons, detention centers or jail.

It's common for young people leaving jails and prisons to end up back behind bars, often after lapses related to untreated mental illness or substance abuse. A new law will help them get Medicaid.

(Image credit: Oona Zenda)