Supported through federal funding, the initiative provides access to physical and mental health care, and addiction services
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 13, 2026) – Building on his recent announcement that recidivism rates in Kentucky have decreased two years in a row, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that, through federal Medicaid funding, eligible adults and juveniles leaving state custody will receive continued access to physical and mental health care and addiction services for up to a year after release from state custody.
“Providing services like health care to adults and juveniles who have paid their debt to society will help reduce recidivism, decrease overdose deaths, boost our workforce and make our commonwealth safer, " Gov. Beshear said. “In Kentucky, we're committed to helping folks succeed through reentry services because we know that's how we create a safer future for every Kentuckian.”
The Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice and Department for Medicaid Services are working together under the guidelines outlined by the Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration to determine eligibility for individuals as they approach release from custody. Those eligible will begin receiving screenings prior to their release to assess physical and mental health care and addiction service needs. Through coordinated care, once enrolled, adult inmates and juveniles will receive a year of Medicaid coverage to bridge the gap between incarceration and release. These individuals will also receive a one month supply of any medication prescribed while in custody.
Research has proven that health care is a vital second chance resource and that without it, crime rates rise. Studies also show that increasing access to health insurance and health care will have numerous positive public safety and public health impacts on newly released individuals, their families and their communities.
“Prioritizing the health and well-being of those in state custody gives them the best chance at success,” said Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson. “Eligible individuals will no longer need to worry about finding health-care services on their own immediately upon release, allowing them to focus their efforts on finding a good-paying job, providing for their families, staying healthy and making the best of their second chance.”
“We are focused on programs and services that support all Kentuckians in reaching their full potential and enable communities to thrive,” said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “Leaving incarceration can be a vulnerable time as individuals navigate various systems and rebuild their lives. Maintaining access to care – whether it be ongoing behavioral health and addiction treatment or other health needs – is an essential piece of reentry success.”
The Beshear-Coleman administration is building a better, safer Kentucky through second chances.
In February, Gov. Beshear announced recidivism rates in Kentucky decreased for the second year in a row. Nearly 70% of those released from state custody have not returned two years later.
Since Gov. Beshear took office, Team Kentucky has expanded technical education course offerings in state prisons. Thirty-five courses are currently being offered to inmates, with more than 1,700 inmates having completed at least one course.
In April 2025, Gov. Beshear created the Team Kentucky Office of Reentry Services to continue the important work of supporting second chances and to help maximize, concentrate and better coordinate services and resources across state government.
In October 2024, Gov. Beshear established the Governor’s Council of Second Chance Employers, which is comprised of 15 business and community leaders, including Amazon, UPS, DV8 Kitchen and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The council meets quarterly to promote second chance hiring, improve outcomes for individuals released from incarceration, and reduce recidivism in the state.
Last year, the Governor announced that overdose deaths in Kentucky have decreased for three straight years. From 2023 to 2024, drug overdose deaths decreased by 30.2% – the largest in the commonwealth’s history.
Team Kentucky continues to remove barriers to housing and employment for inmates upon release by issuing state identification and offering transportation at no cost to medical appointments, job interviews, educational courses, and probation and parole meetings.
###