Res. No. 461
Resolution calling on the federal government to continue Medicaid coverage for individuals while they are incarcerated in correctional facilities, including New York City jails.
By Council Members Crowley, Chin, Dromm, Eugene, Johnson, Koo, Mendez, Richards, Barron and Rosenthal
Whereas, Medicaid was established in 1965 when congress amended the United States ("U.S.") Social Security Act; and
Whereas, Medicaid serves as a social health care program and provides medical coverage for families and individuals with low-income and resources; and
Whereas, In addition to Medicaid, Children's Health and Insurance Program ("CHIP") seeks to provide qualified, low-income individuals up to age 19 with medical, dental, and vision coverage; and
Whereas, According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are currently 62.3 million individuals enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, which includes 5.8 million New York State residents; and
Whereas, The New York City Department of Correction ("DOC") is charged with overseeing and providing for the care, custody and control of individuals 16 years of age and older who are accused of crimes or convicted and sentenced to one year or less of incarceration; and
Whereas, DOC reported 77,141 total admissions to City jails during Fiscal Year 2014, with an average daily population of 11,408; and
Whereas, The federal government provides varying Medicaid state matching funds, which are determined annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Federal Matching Assistance Percentage ("FMAP"); and
Whereas, FMAP's federal financial reimbursement rate for New York in Fiscal Year 2015 is fifty percent; and
Whereas, Although many incarcerated individuals, including those in New York City jails may be financially eligible for Medicaid, the SSA prohibits federal financial participation for medical services provided to inmates of public institutions, including correctional facilities; and
Whereas, New York City should not have to bear the financial burden of caring for those individuals incarcerated in New York City jails who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid; and
Whereas, Continuing Medicaid coverage for individuals while incarcerated by DOC will help eliminate any lapse in coverage that may occur upon discharge; and
Whereas, In order to best serve individuals who qualify for Medicaid and to relieve New York City of the financial burden, the federal government should not interrupt financial assistance for medical services while individuals are incarcerated in correctional facilities; now, therefore, be it;
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the federal government to continue Medicaid coverage for individuals while they are incarcerated in correctional facilities, including New York City jails.
WJH
LS 1530
11/03/14