Q: How much does it cost?

Rates are calculated on a per inmate per month basis and vary based on your average monthly inmate population, claims history, negotiated discounts with local medical providers, deductibles, and desired coverage.

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Q: Is this a standard health insurance plan or is it for catastrophic losses only?

A: This coverage is intended for catastrophic medical expenses that exceed the county’s annual inmate

medical budget; however, all eligible medical expenses count towards the specific per inmate deductible.

 

Q: Why should we buy this coverage rather than self-insure?

A: Even at Medicaid or Medicare rates, a lengthy hospitalization - let alone two or three in the same

fiscal year - can drain years of surplus and result in a budget deficit.

 

Q: Does an inmate's deductible reset to $0.00 each time an inmate goes to the hospital?

A:  Each inmate has a specific deductible that must be met once per policy period. All eligible medical expenses accumulate toward the per-inmate deductible regardless of how often an inmate is taken to the ER, admitted to the hospital, or released on their own recognizance and taken back into custody.

 

Q: Will this policy pay the provider directly or do I get reimbursed after I have paid the provider?

A: The policy will reimburse you. Once paid expenses exceed the per inmate deductible, a claim can be submitted electronically and reviewed for reimbursement. Eligible claims are typically reimbursed within 30 days unless additional information is required. Funds can be provided electronically (ACH) or by check.

 

Q: This isn't a major concern because we work with the courts to release the inmate on their own recognizance.

A: Releasing an inmate on their own recognizance may not be possible, depending on the nature of the charges and if the individual poses a serious risk to public safety. In addition, you could be entangled in costly litigation if it appears the inmate was released primarily to avoid paying their medical bills.