Reducing Criminal Justice Recidivism in Ohio

At various points in their lives, some of CareSource’s members who have been in contact with the criminal justice system cycle in and out of jail and prison. When they’re incarcerated, they face a greater risk of contracting an illness, including COVID-19. Then, when they’re released into the community, they’re often ill-equipped to stand on their own and, too often, continue to cycle through the justice system.

CareSource breaks the cycle by engaging our members before they leave prison. While they’re incarcerated, they’re not covered by Medicaid, but we take the responsibility of bridging the gap between the “before” and “after.”

• 8,000 new members each year enroll in CareSource from the state prison system upon release.
• 60% have a history of substance abuse.
• 25% have a serious mental illness.

To address their health while incarcerated in local jails, we created a unique tool that helps jail staff identify members at risk of communicable disease and at risk due to physical and behavioral health conditions.

To give the members better tools when they’ve done their time, we’ve established unique community partnerships providing assistance with everything from engaging community treatment and primary care to housing, jobs and transportation.

We’ve seen a 14.4% increase in care management engagement for post-release prison populations with complex health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic due to heightened care coordination.

CareSource led statewide efforts among all managed care plans in Ohio to respond to the unique needs faced by returning citizens when they re-entered into a COVID-era socially distanced lifestyle. We welcome this opportunity to lead discussion and change for this growing burden on the criminal justice system and the taxpayers who support it.

Because Franklin County, Ohio, has been a leader in criminal justice and healthcare collaboration, CareSource engaged community partners to help address some of the social determinants of health that created obstacles for our high-risk members. Outreaches included:

• Partnering with the Corporation for Supportive Housing and the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs to find housing for homeless members and those with serious mental illnesses.
• Teaming with the Healthcare Collaborative of Greater Columbus to connect those accused of nonviolent misdemeanor offenses to community services through an innovative diversion program.
• Invested $750,000 to jump-start permanent supportive housing programming in Franklin County to address the risks of COVID-19 spread in congregate settings, including the local jail and homeless shelter system.

By establishing a firm foundation for our members’ re-entry from the criminal justice system, we hope to offer them better lives through better opportunities.