Person County officials are taking significant steps to address rising medical expenses associated with inmate care, following a surprising $900,000 spike in costs. During a recent budget work session, commissioners discussed proactive measures implemented by the sheriff's department to enroll inmates in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) program, which aims to provide health insurance coverage while they are incarcerated. This initiative is expected to reduce the county's overall medical expenses and expedite the return of inmates seeking medical care.

The sheriff's department has been actively enrolling incoming inmates in the ACA program, which will help cover medical costs incurred during their time in jail. However, there is a challenge: coverage only begins at the start of the month, meaning inmates arriving just after the cutoff may still incur significant medical expenses. To mitigate this, the budget includes a buffer for unexpected costs and an expansion of on-site healthcare services through a contract with Southern Health Partners. This expansion will ensure that a nurse is available 12 hours a day, seven days a week, improving access to medication and medical care for inmates.

Commissioners acknowledged that the issue of medical expenses is not unique to Person County, as many jails across the nation face similar challenges. Discussions also touched on the need for policy changes regarding Medicaid coverage for inmates, as current regulations leave counties responsible for medical costs until inmates are transferred to state facilities. A recent conversation with a deputy secretary from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services revealed that Medicaid coverage may continue for a limited time after incarceration, but gaps still exist that need to be addressed.

As the county moves forward with these initiatives, officials are hopeful that the combination of ACA enrollment and enhanced on-site healthcare will lead to a significant reduction in medical expenses, ultimately benefiting both the county budget and the health of the inmate population. The ongoing discussions highlight the importance of finding sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges within the correctional system.