In the past, ex-inmates who were struggling with finances, but didn't have children, had a heck of a time gaining access to health care.

But now, under the new Obamacare mandates, programs that were once only available to custodial parents whose income was up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level are now available to childless and single adults.

This is good news for ex-offenders who have ongoing medical and mental-health needs, especially since it gives them access to medication they might otherwise not be able to afford.

The numbers speak for themselves

Before Obamacare was put in place, less than 12 percent of people locked up in California prisons and jails were eligible for Medi-Cal.  This is a stark difference from the 90 plus percent eligibility that is seen today.

In some cases, people spent years trying to cope with an illness on their own, and without access to healthcare, weren't treated until after they were convicted of a crime.

There have even been cases of people committing crimes for the sole purpose of gaining access to a doctor.

Representatives at the Santa Rita Jail have said the medical ward is a revolving door, and caring for these individuals has been expensive.  But now, thanks to the expansion of Medi-Cal, jail costs will be drastically reduced.  Some estimate the savings will span between $3 million and $5 million each year.

The county said they're working hard to make sure eligible inmates are enrolled as quickly as possible.

But it's not just about saving pennies.  Studies have shown that ex-inmates who have access to heath care, substance abuse counseling and mental health services are far less likely to re-offend.