Behavioral Health Needs of Jail Inmates in Washington State

A Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) January 2016 report compares mental health and substance use disorder treatment needs of Medicaid enrollees booked into jail in 2013 with those of the general Medicaid population.

The report, Behavioral Health Needs of Jail Inmates in Washington State, revealed several key findings.

  • Due to Affordable Care Act-related expansion, the Medicaid enrollment rate of individuals entering jail increased from 31 percent in 2013 to 58 percent through September 2014
  • 58 percent of Medicaid enrollees booked into jail had mental health treatment needs
  • 61 percent of Medicaid enrollees booked into jail had substance use disorder treatment needs
  • 41 percent of Medicaid enrollees booked into jail had co-occurring disorder indicators
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