Phase One — Pre-Entry Foundation · Module 5 of 24 · 90 minutes
Medical coverage, prescriptions, behavioral health, substance use recovery resources, and wellness planning.
What you will be able to do
- Apply for or confirm health coverage before release.
- Identify a clinic, pharmacy, and behavioral health resource near your release address.
- Build a plan for continuing any medication or treatment without interruption.
Why this matters
Health coverage prevents an emergency from becoming a financial disaster. A gap in medication or treatment in your first weeks out is one of the most preventable — and most common — setbacks in reentry.
Reality check: The first weeks after release are physically and mentally demanding, even when everything goes right. Lining up coverage and a provider now means one less crisis to manage later.
Activity
Health Access Worksheet — record current medications, upcoming appointments, insurance status, and the nearest clinic or pharmacy to your release address.
Scenario
You get sick shortly after release with no coverage lined up. What should be a routine visit turns into an emergency room bill and a missed week of work.
What would you do first?
Reflection
- What’s one health need you want to prioritize in your first 30 days?
- Who can support you in keeping a medical or recovery appointment?
My action plan (pick at least one)
- Apply for coverage before release if you don’t already have it.
- Identify a clinic or primary care provider near your release address.
- Confirm a plan for any current medication so there’s no gap.
Resources
- Medicaid.gov / Medi-Cal — Eligibility & Applications
- SAMHSA National Helpline — behavioral health and substance use support
- Local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) — sliding-scale care
Completion checklist
- ☐ I know my health coverage status.
- ☐ I know where I’ll go for care after release.
- ☐ I have a plan to continue any medication or treatment without a gap.
Milestone: Health coverage is applied for or active, and a nearby provider is identified.
Tip: use your browser’s Print button to print this page or save it as a PDF. Your answers are private — bring this sheet to class or share only what you choose.
Mark this module complete
Submit this short check-in so Renewed Ambition can track your progress toward your certificate.