State Considers Passing Medical Costs On To Inmates
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
State prison officials are considering
charging inmates a minimal fee when the inmates ask to see doctors
-- a move the state hopes will deter frivolous medical requests
from inmates.
Several states already charge fees for requested medical visits.
Prison officials say a pilot program in Arkansas has proven
successful.
A committee appointed by the state prison board to study the
idea plans to make recommendations to the full board next month.
Under a pilot program, Arkansas charges a three-dollar
co-payment to inmates in its short-term lockups. In the year since
the pilot program began, sick calls among the inmates have dropped
48 percent.
Inmates who cannot afford a co-payment are not charged.
