Community Behavioral Health Liaisons, also known as CBHLs, are crucial team members in any jail. They boost community partnerships between health centers and jails, follow up on referrals, and improve access to behavioral health treatment for clients. The Missouri Behavioral Health Council coordinates with CBHLs, so each jail in the 114 Missouri counties has a liaison. CBHLs provide reentry help to incarcerated people, including applying for Medicaid pre-release.
A 2022 study from Louisiana found that 98.6% of incarcerated individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid pre-release attended at least one outpatient healthcare visit within six months of being out in the community. When people have health insurance ready to go, they are more likely to use it. Medicaid can be applied to annual doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, and vision.
CBHLs can assist in this effort by regularly asking jail residents if they have health insurance or would like to apply for Medicaid. Missouri Appleseed recommends CBHLs connect with jail staff to see if there is an intake process for Medicaid. If a jail resident is interested in Medicaid, then a CBHL can act as an authorized representative. They can fill out and submit the Medicaid application on the incarcerated person’s behalf. By having Medicaid before release, individuals can also have care coordinated for them prior to leaving jail custody. CBHLs have the ability to bridge the reentry gap for jail residents who need mental health and physical health services.
Missouri Appleseed’s Medicaid in Jails Project provides free training, consultation, and tech to help CBHLs connect with incarcerated people. Reach out to Katie Quinn at kquinn@appleseednetwork.org for more information.
