Governor Matt Bevin announces Medicaid overhaul proposal
Jun
22
Written by:
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 3:13 PM
Governor Matt Bevin held a news conference Wednesday morning to announce his plan to replace Kentucky's expanded Medicaid program.
Bevin would like to launch a program called “Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health” (HEALTH). It would be a waiver application process for people
wanting Medicaid coverage. This plan is a 1115 waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a demonstration project designed to "provide dignity to individuals as they move towards self-reliability, accountability and ultimately independence from public assistance." It is only for the Medicaid expansion population — those between 100-138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FP)L. Governor Bevin stressed that this program is for able-bodied participants, and not the frail or elderly.
“This proposal is modeled after the very same health plan offered to Kentucky state employees including incentives to promote healthy lifestyles. This plan
offers common sense strategies to help our citizens gain employment or prepare for employment through community engagement, including volunteer activities
and job training programs,” stated Governor Bevin.
The governor added that his plan to overhaul Medicaid will require participants to pay monthly premiums ranging from $1 to $15. They would lose vision and
dental benefits, but the participants will have the opportunity to receive those benefits under a proposed My Rewards Account Benefit whereby members can earn credit to buy back benefits.
Governor Bevin noted if CMS officials do not approve the state's Medicaid waiver plan, there will no longer be expanded Medicaid in Kentucky. If it is approved, participants will receive the same health coverage as state employees. If not, about 400,000 Kentuckians would lose their coverage.
KHA President Mike Rust commented, "The Kentucky Hospital Association applauds Governor Bevin for his leadership in presenting a comprehensive plan to transform Kentucky's Medicaid program to achieve better health outcomes for Kentuckians, while also focusing on its financial sustainability. We look forward to working with the Bevin administration in helping to implement this innovative plan.”
A complete draft of the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal will be available for public review online at http://chfs.ky.gov/kentuckyhealth.
Written comments regarding the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal must be received by Friday, July 22 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) and may be mailed to Commissioner Stephen Miller, Department for Medicaid Services, 275 E. Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621, or sent via electronic mail to kyhealth@ky.gov.
A YouTube Video of the press conference is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QswcXVKTDzk.