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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to identify options to explore to improve continuity of Hepatitis C care for those being released from incarceration.
Background:
Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment currently requires 24 to 48 weeks. There are few programs to pay for HCV treatment of indigent persons unless they are eligible for Medicaid. Most inmates being released from prison are not immediately eligible for Medicaid. Therefore prison systems do not begin HCV treatment for inmates who will be released before they can complete treatment.
Setting:
New York State Department of Correctional Services (NYSDOCS) houses more than 63,000 inmates in 70 State prisons. On average they serve approximately 3 years but some are incarcerated for only 6 months.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Incarcerated persons.
Project Description:
A collaborative arrangement was developed involving NYSDOCS, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHHC) a large public hospital system, New York State Division of Parole (DOP) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The hospital system agrees to accept patients and continue their HCV treatment when they are
released from prison. NYSDOCS provides medical records prior to inmate release from prison, DOP agrees to assist with encouraging these patients to be compliant with appointments. The patients agree to participate in the program and to cooperate with the hospital system in
application for Medicaid. The Continuity Program covers the approximately 2/3 of inmates who will be released to the City. NYSDOH is helping develop treatment resources in other areas of the State, starting with AIDS Treatment Centers, even if they are not public hospitals.
Results/Lessons Learned:
A collaborative approach involving several entities is making it possible for greater numbers of inmates to receive HCV treatment even though they are nearing the date of their
release from prison.
See more of D6 - Hepatitis Prevention and Care in Corrections and Beyond...
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference