Missouri Appleseed

Missouri Appleseed is working to strengthen Missouri families. Our latest initiative, Medicaid in Jails, aims to implement a Medicaid enrollment program in Missouri jails. Enrolling eligible incarcerated individuals in Medicaid ensures immediate access to healthcare giving them new hope upon reentry into the community. 

This Give STL Day, our goal is to raise $10,000 to help provide the training and tools needed to take this initiative to jails across the state. Your support will help strengthen Missouri communities by reducing recidivism, reducing healthcare costs, and improving public safety and community well-being. By making healthcare access a cornerstone of community strength, all Missouri families have the opportunity to thrive.

Medicaid access improves health

Incarcerated individuals often have chronic health conditions, causing costly medical visits, work absences, and financial strain. Medicaid coverage eases these challenges, and also reduces recidivism, especially for crimes linked to mental and behavioral health issues.

Medicaid access improves public safety 

Individuals enrolled in Medicaid before release are more likely to receive timely mental and behavioral health services, including addiction services, which reduces addiction-related crime.

Medicaid access reduces healthcare costs

Healthcare is expensive for everyone, especially those just leaving jail. Plus, healthcare exhausts 20% of criminal justice budgets. Medicaid enrollment allows jails to avoid costs for healthcare services received outside the jail.

Learn more about our impact