We at Kentucky Youth Advocates are asking, “Is it good for kids?” while trying to understand the proposal by the Bevin Administration to transform Kentucky’s Medicaid program. From our perspective, we see some positives but also have some concerns.
Children and pregnant women are protected from the potential negative impacts that premiums and reduced benefit packages could have, and we thank Governor Bevin for considering those vulnerable Kentuckians.
But we are concerned with the impact these changes may have on families, including parents and their children, and the confusion the changes could entail. We worry that parents will be dropped from coverage and as a result, not renew their kids. We also believe that it is vital for dental and vision to be covered in the adult benefit package and that Kentuckians should not have to “earn” back these important benefits.
Read more in our full statement here. We will send out a full commentary on what these changes could mean for kids and families prior to next week’s public hearings.
To learn more about the proposed Medicaid changes:
- Visit the Kentucky HEALTH page.
- Read the key points of the proposal.
- Review Frequently Asked Questions.
- Check out the full waiver proposal.
- Watch the full press conference on transforming Medicaid.
To take part in the public comment period by July 22, 2016:
- Submit written comments to Commissioner Stephen Miller, Department for Medicaid Services, 275 E. Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621.
- Submit email comments here.
- Attend a formal public hearing. More details below and on the Kentucky HEALTH page.
Public Hearings:
Tuesday, June 28th
10 AM–12 PM CST
Western Kentucky University, Knicely Conference Center
2355 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Wednesday, June 29th
1 PM–2 PM EST
Kentucky Capitol Annex
702 Capital Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601
Wednesday, July 6th
11 AM–1 PM EST
Hazard Community and Technical College Campus
Room 208, Jolly Classroom Center
1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
As most notably, Kentucky is one of the highest state demographic of uninsured and commonwealth citizens and family’s who live at or below poverty level. A sound and stable program Medicaid program is essential to the overall well being and productivity of living in good health with access to quality Medical care when needed as well as preventative care. Changing, or overhauling the system under the new proposed plan is not in the best interest of KY Commonwealth citizens. It will undermine many things; it will put undue burden and hardships on the citizens of the commonwealth. If federal gov have already stipend 90% towards state Medicaid program and 10 % remain at the state administrative to absorb the cost. Then, find good sound ways to do so but not at the cost of citizens of the commonwealth.