Money Matters at WTRJ: Medical Co‑Pays, Indigent Care, and What Happens to an Inmate’s Money at Release
Copays
- ✓ Nurse Sick Call Services - $10 co‑pay
- ✓ Doctor Sick Call Services (in jail) - $25 co‑pay
- ✓ Emergency Room visit - $100 co‑pay
- ✓ Eye exam (includes specialist fee) - $145 co‑pay
- ✓ In‑patient hospitalization - $200 per day co‑pay
Western Tidewater Jail (WTRJ) charges co-pays for most medical visits. The basics: $10 for a Nurse Sick Call, $25 for a Doctor Sick Call. More serious situations cost more - $100 for an Emergency Room visit, $145 for an eye exam (includes the specialist fee), and $200 per day for in-patient hospitalization.
Some medical services don't cost anything. WTRJ doesn't charge for the admitting physical screening, follow-up visits to sick call, medical emergencies (when staff determine it qualifies), or the initial mental health screening. If you're trying to estimate what might come out of someone's account, these no-charge categories can make a real difference.
Indigent care: WTRJ won't refuse medical care based on ability to pay. If someone is indigent, medical staff will still see them - any charges get placed on the inmate's account as a negative balance.
Indigent status can also matter outside of medical. At WTRJ, indigent inmates can request to have five first‑class letters mailed weekly by the jail. That weekly allowance includes legal mail as well - legal mail will be sent by the jail for inmates who are declared indigent.
When someone leaves WTRJ, they receive their remaining funds on a debit card - unless they're being transferred to another facility. Balances under $25 are paid out in cash instead.
Debit card fees: WTRJ says they'll explain the debit card process and any fees when the person picks up their card. Make sure your loved one pays close attention to that explanation.
WTRJ treats medical co-pays and charges for damaged jail property as debts owed to the facility. These balances are due at release - so someone can walk out owing money even if their account didn't have enough to cover charges when they were assessed.
- Mark the 30‑day window - If they can’t pay what’s owed within 30 days, WTRJ advises taking action rather than waiting.
- Go to the Administration Office - Come to Administration and work with staff to develop a repayment plan that works for both the jail and the released person.
Collections risk: If the balance isn't paid in full within 30 days, WTRJ may turn the account over to a collection agency. They can also pursue other remedies, including withholding tax refunds.
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