Medi-Cal After Incarceration: How California's Reentry Health System Works

California is changing how health coverage connects to reentry. Through the Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative, eligible people in participating prisons, jails and youth correctional facilities may receive a targeted set of Medi-Cal services before release so care does not abruptly stop at the gate.

The exact services available depend on eligibility and whether the facility or county has implemented the program.

What the initiative is designed to do

The California Department of Health Care Services says the initiative can provide eligible individuals with targeted Medi-Cal services for up to 90 days before release, with the goal of connecting pre-release care to community-based services.

Those connections may include health assessment, care management, behavioral health support, medication planning and other covered services within the initiative.

By July 2026, DHCS reported continued expansion across state prisons, county jails and youth correctional facilities. Because implementation is still evolving, check the DHCS Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative for the latest status.

Before release, ask four questions

If possible, ask correctional health or reentry staff:

1. Is my Medi-Cal active, suspended, pending or in need of renewal?
2. Do I have a community health plan or provider assigned?
3. What medications am I leaving with, and where will refills come from?
4. Are follow-up appointments already scheduled?

Write the answers down.

After release: verify coverage

If you need to apply for or manage Medi-Cal, California residents can use BenefitsCal. DHCS also maintains a Medi-Cal Help Center with current eligibility and application information.

Do not assume that a card in your wallet automatically means every detail is active and correct. Verify:

• current coverage status;
• mailing address;
• phone number;
• health plan;
• primary care provider; and
• prescription access.

Do not let medications become a last-minute problem

If you take medication for a chronic medical condition, mental health condition, or substance-use treatment, identify the next prescriber and pharmacy early.

Bring:

• medication list;
• discharge instructions;
• insurance information;
• identification;
• medical records you were given; and
• next appointment information.

Sacramento residents

Sacramento County maintains information about its CalAIM Justice-Involved initiative, including the goal of connecting people leaving incarceration with needed health services and maintaining coverage after release.

Health continuity checklist

• Confirm Medi-Cal status.
• Update your contact information.
• Confirm your health plan and provider.
• Know where your next prescription refill is coming from.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.
• Keep discharge paperwork.
• Ask for help before medication runs out.
• Use BenefitsCal or DHCS resources when coverage information is unclear.

Related Reentry Village guides

• What to Do During Your First 72 Hours Home
• Your First 30 Days After Release in California
• The Complete Sacramento Reentry Guide

Sign up for the Reentry Brief for practical California reentry updates.

If you choose to support the project, visit The Reentry Village on Buy Me a Coffee. The health information on this site does not require a donation.

Sources

• California DHCS — Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative
• California DHCS — Medi-Cal Help Center
• BenefitsCal — Medi-Cal
• Sacramento County — CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative

Last reviewed: August 11, 2026

Disclaimer: General health and benefits information only; it is not medical advice. Coverage, treatment and medication needs are individual. Confirm your status and care plan with Medi-Cal, your health plan, county agency or licensed health professional.