Inmates at New Mexico prisons will be able to apply for Medicaid under a new law that may reduce recidivism.
The new law was among 78 others that took effect Friday. It opens the door for thousands of inmates to apply for Medicaid and receive services once they're released.
Advocates say access to medical and mental health treatment immediately after release could prevent future offenses.
Human Services Department spokesman Matt Kennicott says the agency helped inmates apply for Medicaid upon their release, but that the process had been closed to people who were still incarcerated.
Medicaid will also pay for some inpatient hospital stays under the new law.
Basic health costs aren't part of the new law, and are usually paid by municipalities or counties.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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