Prisoners Will Keep Paying for Medical Care

Thursday, March 21, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

A law that took effect in August requires Prisons Director Bob Bayer to develop policies charging inmates for medical visits and prescriptions if they can afford it.

Inmates have raised concerns about the policies, saying they fear they'll have to either give up all amenities in the prison or forfeit medical care. They say some of their individual cash accounts have been run into the red by medical charges.

And prison officials said some inmates who take drugs for psychological problems might be happy to give up their medication, but they could become dangerous to other convicts and prison workers.

Bayer told the Interim Finance Committee on Wednesday that he's finalizing the policies and will take into account special cases such as inmates who are diabetic and need insulin shots daily.

Deputy Director John Neill said inmates with long-term health problems will get medication at no charge to ensure that even worse health problems don't result.

IFC members also were told there's no way yet to tell whether a private contract for medical services at the Ely State Prison is saving the state money.

Neill and Bayer said the state needs about a year of experience with the program to determine whether there will be any cash savings.