This bill lets states use Medicaid to cover health care for people who are in jail waiting for their court date, if the person is otherwise eligible. Today, many people lose access to Medicaid while they are in jail. Under this plan, states could choose to keep coverage going for this group. It also says states should not cut off someone’s Medicaid just because they’re an inmate; instead, they can pause it and restart it later. The main change would start the first day of the first calendar quarter at least 60 days after the bill becomes law, and a related rule update takes effect January 2, 2026 .

To help states get ready, the bill offers planning grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money can be used to build provider networks (including mental health and substance use care), set up billing and electronic records systems for jails and community providers, check how many people need care, and track results. The bill sets aside up to $50 million and asks for input from key groups like Medicaid agencies, health plans, providers, jails, and advocates. Grants should be spread across different regions .

• Who is affected: People in jail before trial; state Medicaid programs; health care providers; local jails .
• What changes: States may cover Medicaid for people awaiting trial; Medicaid eligibility is not terminated but may be paused; grants help states expand providers, build systems, assess needs, and report outcomes .
• When: Coverage change starts the first day of the first calendar quarter at least 60 days after enactment; a related rule change starts January 2, 2026; planning grants are authorized with total funding up to $50 million .