Court approves inmate medical copay policy; indigent inmates to continue receiving care at no charge

Chambers County commissioners approved a policy to institute a minimal copay for inmate medical visits at the custody center, a change recommended by the sheriff's office and a jail consultant. Presenters said the county had previously not charged and that many jails do charge a small fee; indigent inmates with no commissary funds would still receive care free of charge.

"For many, many years, we have not been charging the inmates for medical services," the jail presenter said, and argued a modest copay would reduce unnecessary requests for medical attention and lower staffing needs. Commissioners discussed the size of the copay and the share of inmates who have commissary funds; staff estimated roughly 30% of inmates might lack commissary funds and would be treated as indigent.

The court approved the copay policy on a voice vote. Staff will return any needed schedule details and ensure indigent protections are codified in policy guidance.