Bills · S 1720
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1720Correctional facilities and imprisonmentHealth care coverage and access
Due Process Continuity of Care Act
INTRO MAY 12· LAST ACTION MAY 12
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a significant gap in healthcare coverage for a vulnerable population: people in jail who haven't been found guilty of a crime. Right now, local jails are often responsible for all healthcare costs for these individuals, which can be a huge strain on local budgets and often leads to inadequate care. If this bill becomes law, it could mean better health outcomes for people in custody, including continued treatment for chronic conditions, mental health issues, and substance use disorders.
Improving healthcare access for this group could also benefit public health by ensuring treatment for communicable diseases and reducing the likelihood of health crises upon release. For voters, it means potentially shifting some of the financial burden of inmate healthcare from local taxpayers to the federal Medicaid program and a more humane, effective approach to healthcare in the justice system. If it doesn't pass, the current system—where Medicaid coverage is generally cut off for inmates, leaving local jails to bear the full cost and responsibility—would continue.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Removes the rule that currently blocks Medicaid coverage for people who are in jail waiting for their charges to be resolved.
This ensures that individuals who have not been convicted can retain access to necessary healthcare services through Medicaid while incarcerated.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes $50,000,000 for planning grants to help states prepare to provide Medicaid services to individuals awaiting disposition of charges.
These grants are crucial for states to build the necessary infrastructure, recruit providers, and ensure a smooth implementation of the new coverage.
PROVISION 03
Requires states applying for grants to develop a plan for assessing health needs, increasing healthcare providers, and ensuring quality care for this population.
This provision ensures that states have a clear strategy for effectively delivering care and addressing the specific needs of individuals in custody.
PROVISION 04
Sets an effective date for the Medicaid coverage change to apply to services furnished starting on or after the first day of the calendar quarter that begins 60 days after the bill's enactment.
This establishes a clear timeline for when the new Medicaid coverage rule will begin to take effect.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
R· Louisiana
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
121
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 40%
DEM 4 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 12
Introduced in Senate
MAY 12
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1720
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 12, 2025
Last actionMay 12, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FINANCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 12, 2025
Senate BillS 1720Correctional facilities and imprisonmentHealth care coverage and access
Due Process Continuity of Care Act
INTRODUCED MAY 12, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 12, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
