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​What is the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Justice-Involved (JI) Initiative?Question
The CalAIM JI is a new initiative aimed at addressing systemic inequities in the criminal justice system, particularly the high rates of incarceration linked to mental health issues and the criminalization of substance use disorders. Through CalAIM JI, youth and adults in state prisons, county jails, and youth correctional facilities can access a targeted set of Medicaid services for up to 90 days prior to their release. By providing these pre-release services, CalAIM aims to improve health outcomes for JI individuals as they prepare to re-enter their communities.
 
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What are the roles and responsibilities of Behavioral Health Services (BHS) under the CalAIM JI Initiative?Question

The role and responsibilities of BHS in the CalAIM JI initiative include: 

  • ​Creating care linkages and coordinating with community-based providers to ensure smooth transitions and support. 
  • Conducting clinical consultation services to help inform the pre-release care plans. 
  • Participating in transition of care encounters as identified reentry care plans, documenting them in medical records. 
  • Initiating behavioral health services during incarceration or detention and supporting service coordination both pre-release and upon reentry.  
  • ​​Arranging appointments and ensuring timely access to appropriate community-based care. ​

 
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​Eligibility CriteriaQuestion

Medi-Cal members who meet the following eligibility criteria can access the 90-day pre-release services while in custody at local jails, youth detention facilities, and state prisons.

1. Adults who have one or more of the following qualifying health needs:

  • ​Confirmed or suspected mental health diagnosis; 
  • ​A substance use disorder or suspected diagnosis;

​​2. Youth who are in custody of a correctional facility do not need to meet clinical criteria.​


 
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​Pre-Release Medi-Cal Services (in-custody)Question
  • Reentry care management services; 
  • Physical and behavioral health clinical consultation services provided through telehealth or in-person, as needed, to diagnose health conditions, provide treatment as appropriate, and support pre-release care managers’ development of a post-release treatment plan and discharge planning; 
  • Laboratory and radiology services; 
  • Medications and medication administration; 
  • Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT), for all Food and Drug Administration-approved medications, including coverage for counseling; and 
  • Services provided by community health works with lived experience.

​In addition to the above pre-release services, qualifying members will receive covered outpatient prescribed medications and over-the-county drugs (a minimum 30-day supply as clinically appropriate, and durable medical equipment (DME) upon release. ​