Your Turn to Speak-out: Kentucky HEALTH

Share your feedback, personal stories or comments on the proposal to change Medicaid!

Governor Matt Bevin is asking for Kentuckians’ input on his comprehensive plan to change how Kentucky’s Medicaid program delivers health care coverage for some 440,000 Kentuckians.  Three Public Hearings on the proposed changes are being held across the state and are open for anyone seeking to add their comments on the Governor’s proposal (Section 1115 Waiver).

The federal government allows states to apply for changes in how they tailor their Medicaid program. Named “Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health” “ Kentucky HEALTH” - Section 1115 Waiver, the process includes a 30-day public comment period which officially opened June 22 and ends July 22, 2016.

All public comments will be summarized and included in Kentucky’s final 1115 Waiver application submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services on August 1, 2016.

According to a statement by Governor Bevin, “As part of this administration’s continuing commitment to transparency, we are taking every step to ensure the process is open and accessible to the public.” The Governor added, “Today marks the beginning of a 30-day public comment period in which we will be engaging the public and soliciting their feedback on this draft waiver proposal. In addition to the input we have already received from Medicaid providers, advocates, consumers and other stakeholders, we encourage Kentuckians to take advantage of the many different avenues and opportunities to provide thoughtful responses regarding the proposal we are presenting.”

AARP Kentucky is reviewing the Section 1115 Waiver application with a focus on how it could impact Kentuckians between ages 50-64 and some estimated 9,500 veterans enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program. Kentucky’s Medicaid program has helped tens of thousands of 50 to 64-year-olds who’ve lost their jobs or are struggling in jobs without health benefits but don’t currently qualify for Medicaid health coverage. As drafted, the proposed changes under the 1115 Waiver would not impact delivery of long-term care benefits.

AARP Kentucky invites its members to share their feedback, personal stories or comments on the proposal to change Medicaid. Email us at kyaarp@aarp.org or comment on our AARP Kentucky Facebook page facebook.com/aarpkentucky or Tweet us @AARPKY.

Where to find more information on Kentucky HEALTH:

Kentuckians are invited to deliver comments at three Public Meetings:

Open 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

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.