By Les Zaitz
Oregon Live
SALEM — Oregon’s prison system is gearing up to send inmates out the door with health insurance, dramatically expanding the number covered for medical and mental health needs.
Thousands of inmates and parolees will be eligible for government-paid health insurance for the first time after Jan. 1.
Authorities estimate up to 95 percent of the 4,500 inmates estimated to be released from state prisons next year will qualify for health insurance under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The state Corrections Department last month filled the newly-created job of re-entry benefits coordinator to enroll inmates for health insurance and other government benefits.
“We’re scrambling to be able to comply” with new federal requirements, said Cindy Booth, the Correction Department’s transition and re-entry administrator. “All of the plates are spinning and a few are on fire.” Inmates will qualify because of low or no income.
Full story: Thousands of Oregon inmates to gain health insurance as they exit prison