State Rep. Lilly Advances Measure to Reduce Recidivism in Prisons

SPRINGFIELD, IL–As part of her efforts to curb the rate of recidivism in Illinois, state Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, is working to pass legislation to ensure that inmates in Illinois prisons have continuing access to appropriate medical services following release.

“One of the most pressing issues facing Illinois is our growing prison population,” said Lilly. “The costs are exceptionally high and our state does not do a satisfactory job of ensuring that those released have the resources to lead healthy, productive lives outside of prison.”

House Bill 3270 aims to help assure that the formerly incarcerated can continue treatments they were receiving after release, so they don’t reoffend due to lack of mental or physical treatment. It calls for prohibiting the Department of Health and Family Services from denying any application for Medicaid benefits solely on the basis of an individual’s incarceration.  The bill would also require that every inmate under the custody of the Department of Corrections be given the opportunity to apply for Medicaid coverage prior to their release. This bill also aims to help these individuals avoid the fee that is imposed to those without health coverage.

According to the last most recent available data, recidivism rates in Illinois are over 50%, much higher than the national average. Lilly’s bill will help ensure that preexisting conditions and the associated costs of treatment do not drive former inmates to reoffend.

“Many former inmates are faced with a life in which no available treatment for physical or mental illnesses are available,” said Lilly, “Whether reoffenders end up back in prison because of a lack of treatment or to deliberately seek treatment, this is a problem that we must address.”

House Bill 3270 passed the House Human Services Committee and awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives.