Utah is one of a small number of states with an approved and implementing Medicaid pre-release program. On July 2, 2024, CMS approved Utah's 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver -- part of the same July 2024 batch that covered Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Vermont. Implementation at participating facilities began in the first quarter of 2026. The program provides up to 90 days of pre-release Medicaid coverage including intensive case management, MAT for all substance use disorders, a 30-day supply of medications at release, lab and radiology services, and physical and behavioral health treatment.
Utah also expanded Medicaid, meaning most returning adults are eligible for coverage after release. Utah has no drug conviction SNAP ban. Voting rights in Utah are restored upon release from prison, even while on parole or probation.
Here is how the system works and what you need to do.
Utah 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver
Utah received CMS approval on July 2, 2024 for a 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver to provide pre-release Medicaid coverage to eligible incarcerated individuals. The program is administered by the Utah Division of Integrated Healthcare (Utah Medicaid, medicaid.utah.gov).
Implementation: Beginning in Q1 2026, inmates at participating jails and prisons became eligible for 90 days of pre-release Medicaid coverage. Participating facilities must be approved by the Division of Integrated Healthcare.
Who is eligible:
Medicaid-eligible adults and juveniles (including former foster care youth up to age 26) in a participating facility.
Must have an expected release date no later than 90 days after initiation of demonstration-covered services.
For individuals not enrolled in Medicaid when they enter a facility, Utah assists with completing and submitting a Medicaid application sufficiently in advance of release.
Services covered under the waiver:
Intensive case management.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for all types of substance use disorders (SUD).
A 30-day supply of prescription medications in hand at the time of release.
Lab and radiology services.
Targeted outpatient services.
Diagnosis and treatment of physical and behavioral health conditions.
Screening for housing-related services.
Durable medical equipment upon release.
Community Health Workers (CHWs): HB 347 authorized certified CHWs to provide services to eligible inmates in participating facilities under the waiver. CHW services began in March 2026 for enrolled providers.
Ask your UDOC case manager before release whether your facility is a participating facility and whether you have been identified as eligible for Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver services. Confirm what services have been initiated and whether a Medicaid application has been submitted.
For more information: medicaid.utah.gov/programs-and-services/justiceinvolved.
What UDOC Provides at Release
The Utah Department of Corrections (UDOC, corrections.utah.gov) Reentry and Rehabilitation Division provides:
Day-one validated risk assessment: Beginning on day one of incarceration, each individual is assessed using a validated risk assessment combined with other evaluations to identify academic, vocational, and therapeutic needs. A case action plan is developed to reduce recidivism and equip the individual for successful reentry.
Vital documents: Birth certificates and Social Security cards are identified as vital documents in UDOC's reentry program. Ask your UDOC case manager whether these have been initiated before your release date.
Education: UDOC's Reentry and Rehabilitation Division partners with the Utah State Board of Education's Utah Adult Education program to provide literacy assessments, adult education, higher education, and technical college education. Programs address basic literacy, secondary credentials (GED/high school diploma), and postsecondary training.
Contact UDOC Reentry and Rehabilitation: corrections.utah.gov/inmate-services/reentry-and-rehabilitation.
Getting Your Utah State ID or Driver's License
Utah state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the Utah Driver License Division (DLD, dld.utah.gov).
If your ID was not processed before release, visit any Utah DLD driver's license office. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and Utah residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a Utah address. Your UDOC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.
Getting Your Social Security Card
UDOC identifies Social Security cards as vital documents for reentry -- ask your case manager whether yours has been requested. If not obtained before release, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.
Ask your case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing the process to begin up to 90 days before release.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
UDOC identifies birth certificates as vital documents for reentry -- ask your case manager whether yours has been requested. If you were born in Utah and your birth certificate was not obtained before release, request a certified copy from the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics at health.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-6105. The fee is currently $30 per copy.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time.
Utah Medicaid
Utah expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income adults who meet income requirements are generally eligible. Utah Medicaid is administered by the Division of Integrated Healthcare (medicaid.utah.gov; 1-800-662-9651).
During incarceration: Medicaid coverage is suspended during incarceration. For individuals already enrolled in Medicaid, coverage suspension happens automatically. For individuals not enrolled in Medicaid at the time of incarceration, Utah assists with completing and submitting a Medicaid application before release -- especially important for those who will qualify for Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver services.
After release: Apply at health.utah.gov/medicaid or call 1-800-662-9651. Confirm with your UDOC case manager and the facility's Medicaid staff what your enrollment status is and whether coverage is active or pending at your release date.
SNAP: Food Assistance
Utah has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP in Utah subject to standard income and eligibility requirements.
Apply for SNAP through the Utah Department of Workforce Services (jobs.utah.gov) or call 801-526-4400. You may also apply online at jobs.utah.gov/mycase.
Voting Rights in Utah
Utah restores voting rights upon release from prison -- even while on parole or probation. You do not need to wait until supervision is complete to vote in Utah.
Register to vote at vote.utah.gov after your release. Contact Utah Legal Services (utahlegalservices.org) or the Utah Lieutenant Governor's office (elections.utah.gov) if you have questions about your eligibility.
UDOC and Utah Reentry Resources
UDOC Reentry and Rehabilitation Division (corrections.utah.gov/inmate-services/reentry-and-rehabilitation): Day-one risk assessment; case action plan; vital documents (birth certificate, Social Security card); adult education and technical college partnerships with Utah Adult Education; sex offense treatment program; post-release supervision through Adult Probation and Parole.
Utah Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver (medicaid.utah.gov/programs-and-services/justiceinvolved): 90-day pre-release Medicaid coverage at participating jails and prisons; intensive case management; MAT for all SUD; 30-day medication supply at release; lab, radiology, physical and behavioral health services; DME at release; CHW services (March 2026). Q1 2026 implementation.
Utah Medicaid / Division of Integrated Healthcare (medicaid.utah.gov; 1-800-662-9651): Medicaid applications; expanded Medicaid eligibility for low-income adults.
Utah Department of Workforce Services / SNAP (jobs.utah.gov; 801-526-4400): SNAP applications; no drug conviction ban.
Utah Driver License Division (dld.utah.gov): State ID and driver's license.
Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics (health.utah.gov; 801-538-6105): Birth certificates; $30 per copy.
Utah Legal Services (utahlegalservices.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income Utahns, including benefit access, voting rights, housing, and reentry matters.
Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office -- Elections (elections.utah.gov): Voter registration; vote.utah.gov.
211 Utah (211ut.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, and social services.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
Does UDOC help with ID documents before release?
UDOC identifies birth certificates and Social Security cards as vital documents for reentry and includes these in its reentry programming. Ask your UDOC case manager directly whether both documents have been requested before your release date and confirm the status of each. UDOC also assists with Medicaid enrollment for those eligible for the 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver. For state IDs, visit any Utah Driver License Division (DLD, dld.utah.gov) office after release if your ID was not issued before release.
What is Utah's 1115 Justice Reentry Medicaid waiver?
Utah's 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver was approved by CMS on July 2, 2024 as part of a five-state batch that also included Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Vermont. It provides up to 90 days of pre-release Medicaid coverage at participating state prisons, county jails, and juvenile justice facilities beginning Q1 2026. Services include intensive case management, MAT for all SUD types, a 30-day prescription supply at release, lab and radiology services, physical and behavioral health treatment, housing-related screening, and durable medical equipment upon release. HB 347 also authorized certified community health workers to provide services under the waiver starting March 2026. Ask your UDOC case manager whether your facility is participating and whether you have been identified as eligible.
Can I get Medicaid after prison in Utah?
Yes. Utah expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible. Apply at health.utah.gov/medicaid or call 1-800-662-9651. If you were enrolled in Medicaid before incarceration, your coverage was suspended and needs to be reactivated. If you were not previously enrolled, apply after release. If your facility is participating in the 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver, Utah assists with Medicaid enrollment before release.
When did Utah's pre-release Medicaid program launch?
Beginning in Q1 2026, eligible inmates at participating jails and prisons in Utah became eligible for 90 days of pre-release Medicaid coverage under the 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver. The waiver was approved by CMS on July 2, 2024. Facilities must be approved by the Division of Integrated Healthcare to participate. Confirm whether your specific facility is participating by asking your UDOC case manager or visiting medicaid.utah.gov/programs-and-services/justiceinvolved.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in Utah?
Yes. Utah has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP in Utah subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. Apply through the Utah Department of Workforce Services at jobs.utah.gov or call 801-526-4400.
Can I vote after prison in Utah?
Yes. Utah restores voting rights upon release from prison, including while you are on parole or probation. You do not need to wait until supervision ends to register and vote. Register at vote.utah.gov after your release. Contact Utah Legal Services (utahlegalservices.org) or the Utah Lieutenant Governor's elections office (elections.utah.gov) if you have questions about your eligibility.
How do I get my birth certificate in Utah?
UDOC identifies birth certificates as vital documents for reentry -- confirm with your case manager whether yours has been requested. If you were born in Utah and it was not obtained before release, contact the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics at health.utah.gov or call (801) 538-6105. The current fee is $30 per copy. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office early -- out-of-state requests take time.
How do I replace my Social Security card in Utah?
UDOC identifies Social Security cards as vital documents for reentry -- confirm with your case manager whether yours has been requested. If not, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
What benefits can I apply for after release in Utah?
Utah Medicaid at health.utah.gov/medicaid (1-800-662-9651) -- expanded; apply immediately if not enrolled through pre-release process. Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver services if your facility participated -- confirm through your case manager. SNAP (food assistance) at jobs.utah.gov (801-526-4400) -- no drug conviction ban. SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. 211 Utah (dial 211 or 211ut.org) for county referrals.
What reentry resources does UDOC provide?
UDOC (corrections.utah.gov) provides day-one validated risk assessment and individual case action plans; vital document assistance (birth certificate and Social Security card); adult education and technical college programming through Utah Adult Education; and post-release supervision through Adult Probation and Parole. The 1115 Justice Reentry Initiative Waiver (medicaid.utah.gov) provides 90-day pre-release Medicaid coverage at participating facilities beginning Q1 2026. Utah Legal Services (utahlegalservices.org) provides free legal help. 211 Utah (211ut.org, dial 211) provides county referrals. ---
Stay Connected with InmateAid
Reach Your Loved One in Utah
InmateAid helps families stay in touch. Set up discounted calls, send letters and photos, add money, or send approved magazines - all in one place.