Sheriff announces medical copays for inmates

NEWTON — Sheriff Michael Strada recently announced the recent implementation of an inmate medical co-pay policy at the Sussex County Correctional Facility.

Effective immediately all inmates currently housed in the correctional facility will be charged a $10 dollar copay to see the physician or the dentist. By establishing this copay, officials said they hope to recoup some funds for medical costs and, more importantly, cut back on sick call abuse.

Inmates with no money available to them will not be denied visitation to the physician or dentist, as the county is still obligated by state law to provide inmates with health care. However, officials can require them to make this co-payment in an attempt to save money.