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Share Your Story for a Complete Census Count in Appalachia

In the region of Kentucky where I grew up – the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky – communication is woven into the fabric of communities. The annual Swappin’ Meetin’ held each Fall at Southeast Community and Technical College would showcase that communication through storytelling, songs, and the many conversations of neighbors and friends.  While the stories and songs will be saved for our beloved community gatherings, we want to hear from our Appalachian communities [...]

By |2025-11-12T10:19:53-05:00November 5th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Kids Count, Medicaid|
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Calling all doting grandparents, aunties and uncles: Be part of a complete count

Nothing quite matches the pride of a new grandparent or auntie showing pictures of a new baby. At a meeting, at the grocery store, or after church, they are quick to pull out their phones and share a few pictures of the new bundle of joy. This year, I’ve been that auntie, showing off my sweet niece who was born this past Winter, when I’m catching up with friends.   As much as we care for [...]

By |2025-09-30T13:03:25-04:00September 30th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Kids Count, Medicaid|
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Latest Data on Child Health and Poverty

Every fall, data nerds rejoice, because it means the release of the newest American Community Survey one year estimates from the Census Bureau. While the one year estimates are not as thorough as the five year estimates that are released in December, they still provide a wealth of knowledge for many topics, including demographics, income, poverty, housing, and education. These estimates can help guide legislators, community leaders, and community members toward policies that work to [...]

By |2025-09-25T14:26:15-04:00September 25th, 2025|Blog, Health, Kids Count, Medicaid|
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From Interim Hearings to the 2026 State Budget: What’s Ahead for Kentucky Kids & Families

As summer winds down in Kentucky, state leaders in Frankfort are already preparing for the 2026 biennial budget session. Shortly after the 2025 legislative session concluded, lawmakers were back in action convening interim joint committees with members of both the House and Senate. The interim legislative session spanning June to December serves as an opportunity for legislators to hear presentations from various state offices on current data and program outcomes, budget requests for the next [...]

By |2025-10-07T16:04:38-04:00September 3rd, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Medicaid|
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From Barbecues to Budget Cuts: How the New Federal Budget Impacts Families in Kentucky

This is part of Kentucky Youth Advocates’ series on the federal landscape and the impacts on Kentucky children and families.  Along with barbecues and fireworks, the 4th of July also brought a new federal budget signed into law. Although the reconciliation package saw several versions before final passage, many of the programs we have highlighted throughout the Summer will see significant changes under the new law.   Among the largest cuts in the program's history are [...]

By |2025-07-16T13:28:48-04:00July 16th, 2025|Blog, Health, Medicaid|
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The Impact of Proposed Medicaid Changes on Kentucky Families

This is part of Kentucky Youth Advocates’ series on the federal landscape and the impacts on Kentucky children and families.  As we near warmer summer days and the end of another school year in the Commonwealth, our federal delegates are busy in Washington DC narrowing in on a budget reconciliation package. In other words - Congress is nearing the end of its process to develop a federal budget for the next year and outline spending [...]

By |2025-05-15T13:37:57-04:00May 15th, 2025|Blog, Economic Security, Health, Medicaid|
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Spread the word – Open enrollment for traditional Medicaid through June 18

Open enrollment for traditional Medicaid (not Medicaid expansion) is occurring now through June 18. If you and/or your children have traditional Medicaid health insurance or KCHIP, you can change Medicaid managed care plans during this open enrollment period. If you work with Medicaid members, please let them know about this open enrollment period. Members do not have to switch plans if they don't want to. Open enrollment applies to all regions of the state except Region [...]

By |2014-05-27T09:00:07-04:00May 27th, 2014|Blog, Health|
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Health Coverage Continues to Increase for Children in Kentucky

Jeffersontown, KY – Over the last decade the number of uninsured Kentucky children has decreased by 2.9 percentage points. According to the new Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS), roughly 1 in 14, or 6.9 percent of children in Kentucky had no health coverage in 2011 and 2012 down from 9.8 percent in 2001 and 2002. Across the country, 17.8 percent of the overall population under 65 lacked health coverage in 2011-2012. In Kentucky, 17.2 [...]

By |2013-09-17T18:30:36-04:00September 17th, 2013|News Room|
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Special report on Medicaid managed care indicates problems

Medicaid managed care is in the news again – or did it ever really leave? State Auditor Adam Edelen released a report at the end of July on the three Medicaid managed care companies which began operating  across the state (except for the areas in and around Louisville) in November 2011: Coventry Cares, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan, and WellCare. Tuesday, the Courier-Journal ran an editorial entitled simply: “Fix managed care”. The audit and the editorial [...]

By |2013-08-08T14:17:49-04:00August 8th, 2013|Blog, Health|
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Court Ruling Protects Model that Brings Health Services to Where Kids Are

The court ruling this week in Franklin Circuit Court signals progress on an issue that put in danger a successful model of providing health services to children at school. A Medicaid managed care company – Kentucky Spirit – had argued that they did not need to reimburse local health departments for services provided at schools to children who have Medicaid. Though Kentucky Spirit may still appeal, the court ruled that they need to adhere to [...]

By |2013-05-30T13:35:08-04:00May 30th, 2013|Blog, Health|
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