Former prisoners in Wisconsin struggle with medication adherence

A new study by Laura Dague and her colleagues highlights challenges faced by former prisoners in taking their medications after release. The researchers analyzed data from Wisconsin, focusing on nearly 13,000 individuals released from prison between April 2015 and June 2017. Many of these former inmates had chronic health issues and signed up for Medicaid upon their release. However, the study found that only about half of those prescribed medications continued to take them. Specifically, 51.7% of former inmates filled their prescriptions, despite having free access to the medications. The researchers noted that access to healthcare plays a significant role in medication adherence. Former inmates who visited doctors were 40 percentage points more likely to fill their prescriptions. The study does not explain why many do not continue their medications but suggests that similar issues might exist in other states. Former prisoners often struggle with low income and unemployment, which can lead to higher healthcare costs for communities. Dague emphasized that medication adherence is important not just for individuals but also for the overall healthcare system. Taking prescribed medications can help avoid costly emergency health issues later on.