The Texas Tribune reports that only a quarter of Texas inmates recommended for medical parole are granted that parole.

"Texas’ “geriatric” inmates, classified as those 55 and older, make up just 7.3 percent of Texas’ 160,000-offender prison population. But they account for nearly a third of the system’s hospital costs and make three times as many visits to prison medical departments as younger inmates. Elderly inmates have average annual hospitalization costs of $4,700, compared to $765 for inmates under 55. In total, providing inmate medical care costs the state correctional health care system — already facing hundreds of employee layoffs amid a budget shortfall — nearly half a billion dollars a year."

The story cites It's About Time: Aging Prisoners, Increasing Costs, and Geriatric Release, Vera's report on U.S. statutes related to the early release of geriatric inmates in 15 states and the District of Columbia. The report concludes that these provisions are rarely used, despite the potential of reduced costs at minimal risk to public safety.