“Most law-abiding citizens must make a co-payment when they seek optional health care services, and it is only fair that federal prisoners should be required to make similar nominal payments,” Rep. Jones said. “We could save 1 to 2 million dollars in taxpayers’ money in the first year and up to 5 million in following years by reducing the excessive use of currently free medical assistance in prisons.”

H.R. 1349 calls for federal prisoners to pay the minimal co-payment when they seek elective health care services, yet it does not deny them access to quality preventative care for financial reasons. The generated funds would be placed into the Federal Crime Victims’ Fund.  Currently, thirty-eight states have implemented similar policies in their statewide jails, including North Carolina with a co-payment of $3.  

The Federal Prisoner Health Care Co-payment Act was passed in the House by a voice vote.  The bill awaits further action in the Senate.