DES Team Receives Good Government Award from Governor Ducey

Helping Former Inmates Connect to Health Care

In recognition of the collaboration between state agencies to improve the inmate Medicaid application process to further the State’s goal to reduce recidivism, Governor Doug Ducey awarded the Department of Economic Security (DES), the Arizona Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the Good Government Award for offering inmates medical coverage upon release. DES Director Michael Trailor and Sia Dixon, accepted the award on the Department’s behalf.

This initiative is a key component to ending recidivism in Arizona by providing inmates the support needed for successful reentry and a real second chance. Correctional officers assist inmates in completing their applications for medical assistance shortly before release. Sia Dixon, who leads the Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility’s (DBME) Research and Analysis Unit, and her team then process the applications once the inmates are released. Since the project’s inception in 2016, more than 9,000 applications have been processed.

A similar initiative will soon allow inmates to apply for Nutrition Assistance (NA). DBME will then work with the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) to not only provide inmates another crucial support through NA, but will also help them to obtain employment through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training (SNA E&T) program. These programs, in addition to the DES Reentry Employment Centers in which inmates throughout the state are currently participating, will equip individuals with the tools necessary to become self-sufficient contributors to society and lessen their chances of reoffending.

Congratulations to our DBME Research and Analysis team for making this happen. You make us proud!

By Brett Bezio and Jillian Seamans