Illinois expands Medicaid reentry effort to connect inmates with care
DREW ZIMMERMAN
1 of 2
Division 5 of Cook County Department of Corrections on Sept. 18, 2023, when the Pretrial Fairness Act took effect Monday, eliminating cash bail in Illinois.
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/TNS
Intern Makenna Williams, right, works with an inmate during a reading program on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the McLean County jail.
Since its launch in 1965, Medicaid has been prohibited from covering health care services for incarcerated individuals, which has put the financial burden on the state and counties to cover correctional health care costs.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state leaders on March 8 celebrated the launch of the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.
Ongoing coverage: Mental heath in Bloomington-Normal and Central Illinois
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, here's a look at our recent coverage of mental health resources and challenges in Central Illinois.
Local police leaders say they are working to break down the barriers and culture surrounding the mental health of officers to help them cope with traumatic events.
Local law enforcement officials reflect on the high rates of law enforcement suicides and the efforts to encourage officer wellness during Mental Health Awareness Month.
In Bloomington-Normal, Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University and Heartland Community College are working to support student well-being through counseling, education and community care.
Providing additional funding and staff for Illinois jails to handle inmates' medical needs has been a challenge at the state and federal level.
Division 5 of Cook County Department of Corrections on Sept. 18, 2023, when the Pretrial Fairness Act took effect Monday, eliminating cash bail in Illinois.
