Free Health Insurance

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges individuals face upon release is medical issues and the associated costs. Individuals who have been incarcerated are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions and infectious diseases. According to Community Oriented Correctional Health Services, about 63% of all sentenced people met the criteria for drug dependence or use.

People often leave prison with no health insurance and little connection to care.¹ Plus, when they return to the community, it can feel overwhelming to deal with the healthcare system, and many don’t believe it can help them much. But things have changed now, and there is help available.

GEO Reentry Connect is proud to introduce you to Parks Insurance Agency and their Giving Insurance Freely for Transition (G.I.F.T.) program. President Aaron Parks knows that the struggle to get health insurance after release is all too real.

The idea for the program came about as Aaron’s brother was formerly incarcerated, and upon his release suffered with many health issues and didn’t have the financial resources to deal with them. Instead of reading about it, listen to Aaron tell the story.

Parks Insurance, certified in all 50 states, can help you get the care you need. They are here to guide you through the application process, answer your questions, and help you enroll even if you don’t have a current address. This insurance differs from Medicaid in that you can continue to receive it even after you gain employment and you do not have to wait for release to apply. Here’s how:

1. Before beginning, make sure you know your full Social Security Number.
2. Click the “APPLY NOW” button below the video and complete the online form.
3. If you get stuck call 1-866-505-5383 to speak to a Parks Insurance representative. Let them know you were referred by GEO Reentry Connect.
4. If you have general questions about the program, you can download the Frequently Asked Questions form here.

Listen to what Lawrence Parks, returning citizen, has to say about the G.I.F.T. program.

This is different from the G.I.F.T. plan. This program is for you, your family, a friend or relative who may already have health insurance. In up to 70% of the cases, Parks can help lower the costs of current coverage or find a free plan. If the plan you have at work or otherwise is causing a financial burden, you may be eligible for significant relief. The process is a little different. Here’s how to apply:

1. Before beginning, make sure you know the full Social Security Number for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents as well as full bank account information, including account number and routing number.
2. Click the “APPLY HERE” button below the video and complete the online form.
3. If you get stuck call 1-866-505-5383 to speak to a Parks Insurance representative. Let them know you were referred by GEO Reentry Connect.
4. If you have general questions about the program, you can download the Frequently Asked Questions form here.

1. Antes de comenzar, asegúrese de conocer su número de Seguro Social completo.
2. Haga clic en el botón “COMENZAR AQUÍ” a continuación y complete el formulario en línea. Si se queda atascado, llame al 1-888-786-9583 para hablar con un representante de Parks. Hágales saber que GEO Reentry Connect lo recomendó.
3. Si tiene preguntas generales sobre el programa, puede descargar el formulario de Preguntas frecuentes aquí.

Since 2014, many Americans buying health insurance through the marketplace got help with paying premiums, thanks to financial support from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These payments make it easier to afford insurance.

In 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) boosted this financial aid temporarily to make coverage even more affordable. Without more help from Congress, these boosts would’ve ended in 2022, leaving some people struggling to afford insurance. Fortunately, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, extends this important financial aid until 2025.

¹https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Incarceration-and-Health-TXT-FINAL.pdf