Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) was honored as the Major County Sheriffs of America’s (MCSA) Legislative Initiative Champion Award for his leadership on improving health care access for those awaiting trial. Cassidy's Due Process Continuity of Care Act, which aims to ensure that pre-trial detainees do not lose access to Medicaid prior to being found guilty of a crime, was cited as the reason for the award.

"I am proud to stand with sheriffs across the country to ensure those who have not been found guilty of a crime see their rights protected," said Dr. Cassidy.

The MCSA Vice President of Government Affairs, Michael J. Bouchard of Oakland County, MI, expressed appreciation for Cassidy's efforts, stating, "Senator Cassidy’s efforts are appreciated very much in the law enforcement community in order to ensure proper care of incarcerated individuals and help support the burden of medical care placed on jails and correctional facilities. We are very grateful for his efforts."

Incarcerated individuals often experience chronic diseases, mental illness, and substance abuse at higher rates than the general population. With more than 95% of local jail inmates eventually returning to their communities, their health conditions become a concern for society as a whole.

The denial of federal benefits, such as Medicaid, without due process places the financial burden of healthcare on local jails and taxpayers. This burden has put a significant strain on local jail budgets and has resulted in unmet care needs for pretrial status detainees, who make up about two-thirds of the people held in local jails.

The Due Process Continuity of Care Act, endorsed by MCSA, seeks to address these issues. It is aimed at ensuring that pretrial detainees retain access to Medicaid, thereby lessening the burden on local jails and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary medical care during their incarceration.

Senator Cassidy's commitment to improving health care access for those awaiting trial has been recognized by the MCSA, and his efforts are applauded by law enforcement professionals across the country. Through his legislation, Cassidy aims to provide incarcerated individuals with the best chance for a successful transition back into the community.