Bill would require inmate health care copayments

Inmates would be required to make copayments for doctor visits under a bill heard by the Judiciary Committee Feb. 7.

LB246, introduced by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson, would require an inmate housed in a county or state correctional facility to pay a copayment of $10 for every self-initiated, non-emergency visit to a health care provider. Inmates who fail to pay would have 50 percent of their account deposits withheld until the copayment has been paid in full.

Copayments would not be charged for treatments of chronic illnesses, diseases, emergency care or staff-initiated care.

Larson said some inmates abuse the medical services provided to them by requesting to see doctors because they are bored and want to pass time.

“This bill would help relieve the state and county costs of inmate medical care,” Larson said.

Holt County Sheriff Ben Matchett testified in support of the bill, calling it frustrating and costly to treat individuals who have nothing wrong with them.

Amy Miller, legal director for ACLU-Nebraska, testified in opposition to the bill, saying it would transfer other costs to taxpayers.

Requiring inmates to pay copayments would limit their ability to pay other expenses like child support, Miller said, which could result in an increase of public assistance to their families.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.