The expense for legal representation for hearings, trial and appeals are soon followed by the costs of traveling long distances for prison visits, and the high rates and surcharges of telephone calls to stay in touch. If medical care is needed and a co-payment is enacted, you can bet these same struggling citizens would work extra jobs and sacrifice even more for their incarcerated loved one. Health risks Prison staff, visitors and prisoners in crowded prisons are at great risk when communicable diseases go untreated. Moreover, prisoners who do not seek medical treatment before symptoms are exacerbated, cost the system unlimited dollars in extra care for hospital and surgical needs. It is not prudent to put prisoners and prison staff at risk when a communicable disease could be detected in time to protect them.
Women prisoners require special medical procedures.
Testing is imperative to prevent diseases that affect women. Many women have written that they must take care of their health because children are at home awaiting their return as their principal caretaker. Access to medical care We are often reminded that costs to a prison system soar when a prisoner forgoes medical treatment until a condition reaches a dangerous level. When this happens, hospital and surgical care can run into thousands of dollars and unnecessary disabilities and even death can occur. In the end, the medical co-pay can cost the prisons far more because adequate care was not given when symptoms appeared.