Due Process Continuity of Care Act

This bill would let states keep Medicaid coverage for people in jail who are waiting for their case to be decided (pretrial detainees). It removes the current rule that blocks Medicaid for this group, but leaves it up to each state to decide whether to offer the coverage. The changes would start on the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins at least 60 days after the bill becomes law.

To help states get ready, the bill creates planning grants. States can use these to assess health needs in jails, recruit and train providers (including for mental health and substance use treatment), set up billing and electronic health records, and track quality of care. It authorizes $50 million for this work and requires states to consult with stakeholders like Medicaid agencies, health plans, providers, jails, and beneficiary advocates when applying.

• Who is affected: People in jail awaiting trial; state Medicaid programs; local jails; health care providers .
• What changes: States may choose to cover eligible pretrial detainees under Medicaid; grants help build provider networks, billing systems, and quality reporting .
• When: Takes effect the first day of the first calendar quarter at least 60 days after enactment.