Final answer:
Charging inmates for care provided is done to address the burden on prison budgets and expenditures. Releasing elderly inmates who have served the majority of their sentence and pose a lower risk to society can also help save money. Some also believe that inmates may feel obligated to use healthcare benefits, increasing costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charging inmates for care provided is a topic within the subject of Social Studies. One of the reasons given for charging inmates for care is the burden it places on prison budgets and expenditures.
Aging inmates require more healthcare, which can be costly. Additionally, releasing elderly inmates who have served the majority of their sentence and pose a lower risk to society can save money.
A study in Maryland estimated that reducing prison sentences saved $185 million over five years. Another reason is that some believe inmates may feel obligated to take advantage of healthcare benefits, leading to increased costs.