NC Medicaid, in partnership with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJDP), is implementing new federal requirements under Section 5121 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2023 to support eligible justice-involved youth as they transition back into their communities.
Beginning on Nov. 1, 2026, NC Medicaid will launch the first phase of implementation at North Carolina's state-operated Youth Development Centers (YDCs).
What's Changing?
Eligible youth will have access to:
- Screening and diagnostic services within 30 days before release (or no later than one week after release).
- Reentry Care Management (Targeted Case Management) beginning within 30 days before release, and NC Medicaid plans to provide care management support for up to one year following release, beginning on Nov. 1, 2026.
These services are designed to help youth connect to needed health care, behavioral health supports and community resources during the transition from incarceration back into the community.
Who Is Eligible?
The new requirements apply to youth who are:
- Enrolled in NC Medicaid;
- Under age 21, or between ages 18 and 26 if covered under the mandatory former foster care eligibility group; and
- Incarcerated in a correctional facility post-adjudication.
Phased Implementation
NC Medicaid will begin implementation with the five state-operated YDCs in fall 2026. Additional facilities that house eligible justice-involved youth, including state prisons, county jails and tribal jails may be incorporated in future phases.
Supporting Successful Reentry
Through these new services, NC Medicaid aims to help justice-involved youth successfully transition back into their communities with access to the health care and support services they need to thrive.
Contact
For any questions, please email Medicaid.NCEngagement@dhhs.nc.gov