Pre-release medicaid effects on youth experiences related to substances (prime years)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse awarded Boston Medical Center Corporation $870,407 on September 1, 2026, under the Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs (CFDA 93.279) to support research on pre-release Medicaid effects on youth experiences related to substances (PRIME Years).

The project addresses barriers to behavioral health service access for youth ages 16–25 following incarceration, a population with 36–84% prevalence of substance use history. The research examines Medicaid coverage suspension during incarceration and the critical gap in care post-release, with particular focus on why three in five eligible youth fail to reenroll. The study evaluates how Medicaid coverage and connection to behavioral health services affect youth outcomes during this high-risk transitional period, and addresses coverage of screenings and diagnostic services under the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Performance occurs in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The award runs through July 31, 2031, under the Project Grant assistance type. This is a parent award with no identified sub-recipients in the source material.

Abstract

The period following release from incarceration is challenging for youth, 36-84% of whom have a history of substance use. Youth between 16-25 years have less developmental maturity, less understanding of the health care system, and less access to substance use treatment after release compared to older adults. Coverage and connection to behavioral health services are instrumental during this consequential time. Medicaid coverage is suspended during incarceration and regaining coverage is vital for ensuring timely access to needed care post-release, but three in five of those eligible do not enroll. To prevent gaps in coverage and care for youth, the federal consolidated appropriations act (CAA) requires medicaid to cover screenings and diagnostic services for medicaid-eligible youth