Before crashing into this pileup I need to be clear on one point – @RedDeerGuy1 is a Canadian citizen, living in Canada. Different system, different laws. I don’t think Red ever intentionally confuses anyone about this fact – but it’s obvious many folks on this site just forget.
In both State and Federal prisons US inmates are required to receive health care under Supreme Court interpretation the Eight Amendment of the Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusal punishment. Every lockup in the country right down to city jails complies with this rule.
But there is no requirement under US law that health care or any other services be provided to inmates free of charge.
None.
And in fact most states and counties do bill prisoners for some costs related to treatment and medications :
https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/features/health-care-in-prison
All the answers here seem very passionate. But the question has nothing to do with facts that actually apply in American prisons.