Oregon Abandons Critical Medicaid Program for Incarcerated Individuals Amid Federal Cuts

In what should have been a game-changing step toward protecting vulnerable Americans, Oregon has quietly dropped plans to provide targeted Medicaid services to individuals about to exit jail or prison. This program, designed as a bridge for those reentering society without health coverage, fell victim to the harsh realities of federal budget tightening and bureaucratic roadblocks. How Washington’s Federal Cuts Undermine State Innovation and Community Safety The $64 million “reentry benefits” program was set to address a glaring gap in care that leaves many formerly incarcerated people uninsured immediately upon release. By offering consultations, behavioral health counseling, addiction treatment, and...