Who is the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition?

Our mission is to reverse the trend of mass incarceration in Colorado. We are a coalition of nearly 7,000 individual members and over 100 faith and community organizations who have united to stop perpetual prison expansion in Colorado through policy and sentence reform.

Our chief areas of interest include drug policy reform, women in prison, racial injustice, the impact of incarceration on children and families, the problems associated with re-entry and stopping the practice of using private prisons in our state.

If you would like to be involved please go to our website and become a member.


Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Denver Jail Inmates Sign Up For Healthcare

The Denver Post



Inmates leaving a Denver jail already are a step behind in life because of their criminal records or pending charges. Add a health crisis and no insurance, and those trying to get their lives in order fall even further behind.
But the Denver Sheriff Department and Denver Human Services are trying to help by enrolling inmates in the Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare.
Since March, 369 former inmates have been approved for Medicaid coverage, said Andrea Albo, deputy director of assistance for Denver Human Services. There are 408 pending applications, and a total of 1,059 people have applied, she said.
Those who are denied Medicaid enrollment are referred to Connect for Health Colorado, the state's health insurance exchange.
The American Jail Association is encouraging county detention centers across the country to do the same, according to the association's website.
The plan also is saving money for the sheriff's department, said Simon Crittle, a department spokesman.


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