MassHealth members recently released from jail or prison

If you are a member who was recently released from jail or prison, MassHealth has special rules to help you and make sure you stay covered.

If you have questions or need help, call us at [phone], TDD/TTY: 711, or go here to find someone near you who can help.

If you need help understanding your MassHealth coverage, contact My Ombudsman. We offer free support in many languages.

We've got you covered for at least 12 months!

MassHealth provides 12 months of continuous coverage for members who are released from jail or prison. This means that usually, they can keep their MassHealth coverage for at least 12 months, even if something happens that would normally cause them to lose their coverage (like changes to their income). 

After 12 months, members will keep their coverage for as long as they stay eligible.

You might be able to get additional benefits, depending on your coverage. Some members can get help with food, housing, and care management. Call us at [phone], TDD/TTY: 711, to learn more about your MassHealth coverage.

Community Partners Program

The Community Partners Program is made up of community-based organizations that work with MassHealth to provide services and support to certain members with certain needs and health conditions. Community partners can help you understand the healthcare system and work with you, your doctors, and your insurance to make sure you get proper care. Learn more about the Community Partners Program here.

Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources

You are not alone, and support is available!

MassHealth Behavioral Health Supports for Justice Involved Individuals (BH-JI) and Community Support Program Services for Individuals with Justice Involvement

MassHealth Behavioral Health Supports for Justice Involved Individuals (BH-JI) and Community Support Programs Services for Individuals with Justice Involvement (CSP-JI) help people connect with behavioral health services, programs for substance use disorder, and other social supports. 

In general, you’ll qualify for services if you are eligible for MassHealth and—

• have needs related to substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions;
• need help meeting your health and social needs; and
• meet one of the following conditions:
  • You will be released from jail or prison within six months.
  • You were released from jail or prison in the past year.
  • You are on probation or parole.

In this program, you’ll meet with a trained staff member. They will help you find healthcare services and social supports. BH-JI supports can include the following:

• Help scheduling and keeping health appointments.
• Help getting social services and benefits.
• Developing a plan to deal with any potential mental health or substance use crisis.
• On-call crisis support as needed.

To make or request a referral, use the Universal BH-JI Referral Form under “Referral Forms” on this page.

General Resources for Behavioral Health

The Behavioral Health Help Line is available 24/7 for all Massachusetts residents. Call or text [phone] or visit the website to chat.

Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) offer immediate help 24/7 for a wide range of mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs. To find a CBHC near you, click here.

Talk to your healthcare provider about other mental health and substance use disorder resources and supports.

Reentry Planning

The Massachusetts Department of Correction offers opportunities for individuals being released from jail or prison to prepare for life after their release, such as housing, health care, employment resources, and others.

Community Justice Support Centers

These centers offer community-based programs to help members improve their lives and futures when they have been involved with the criminal justice system (for instance, when they are on probation or parole). There are 18 community justice support centers across the state.

Department of Transitional Assistance

You may have other resources available to help with housing, nutrition, financial assistance, and other needs. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) helps low-income individuals and families meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. DTA gives one in seven residents of the Commonwealth direct economic help (cash benefits) and food help (SNAP benefits). DTA also helps with job training opportunities. For more information and to apply, click here.

Date published:	December 6, 2024
Last updated:	December 17, 2024