Contact:
Mara Powell
502-895-8167 *122
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

Louisville, KY – Today Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order to rescind the 1115 Medicaid Waiver, known as Kentucky HEALTH. This rescission further protects families from the potential negative impacts of premiums, work requirements, lockout periods, and classified dental and vision benefits as earned benefits. Parents’ health – and access to health insurance – affects the health and well-being of their children. To that end, any changes that jeopardize parent coverage can have an unintended impact on children. As Kentucky moves forward, we must ensure changes to Kentucky’s Medicaid program are simple to understand, participate in, and utilize to protect the health of children and their families.

We look forward to working with the Administration to continue the Commonwealth’s strides in improving the number of children who have health coverage. New data shows that from 2016-2018 Kentucky saw a 50 percent increase in the number of uninsured children under age 6. All children need access to affordable health care to ensure healthy growth and development. We thank Governor Beshear and his Administration for making health coverage of all Kentuckians, especially our youngest, a priority.

###

About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.