June 27, 2018
Some recipients who are able will need to complete 80 hours of employment, education or training, volunteering or caregiving per month
Kentucky HEALTH, the Commonwealth’s new program for certain able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid, begins on July 1, and several state agencies are working to make the transition as smooth as possible for those recipients.
“We have numerous print and digital resources now available that will help the people of the Commonwealth understand and take advantage of Kentucky’s new Medicaid program,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Secretary Adam Meier. “The Kentucky HEALTH website features a new eligibility tool that will help citizens determine which components of the program will apply to them. We also have pamphlets, guides and booklets available in state offices everywhere and available for download.”
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC) have collaborated with local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) offices and Kentucky Career Centers (KCCs) to make sure that resources are in place and staff are prepared to support Medicaid beneficiaries through the transition to Kentucky HEALTH.
Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) – Anthem, Aetna, Humana, Passport and Wellcare – are also helping to prepare their members for this transition and have multiple print and digital materials available for their members as well.
Kentucky Career Centers, libraries, and adult education centers will also have Kentucky HEALTH resources on hand and staff members available to help recipients understand the new PATH Community Engagement requirement, which means some recipients who are able will need to complete 80 hours of employment, education or training, volunteering or caregiving per month.
“Kentucky Career Centers across the Commonwealth are excited to help customers find jobs, education and training opportunities in their area,” said EWDC Cabinet Secretary Derrick K. Ramsey. “The state has more than 163,000 current job openings and that number keeps increasing. Our goal is to strengthen Kentucky’s workforce by helping more Kentuckians gain the high-demand skills required to meet employers’ needs.”
As a first step, Kentuckians are encouraged to visit the Kentucky HEALTH website at KentuckyHEALTH.ky.gov to learn more about the program. This website, which will be updated regularly, includes information and materials for recipients, KCC and DCBS staff, MCOs, and business and community partners.
Some of the highlights include:
• Kentucky HEALTH Eligibility Finder – This new Eligibility Finder tool can help people understand if they are eligible for Kentucky HEALTH. If they are, the tool will identify what eligibility group they fall into and what new requirements and benefits apply to them, based on their eligibility group. This tool is a great starting point for anyone who is wondering how they may be impacted by the transition to Kentucky HEALTH.
• PATH Community Engagement Magazine – The PATH Magazine is an essential overview for citizens who may have a PATH Community Engagement requirement. PATH stands for “Partnering to Advance Training and Health.” The Magazine explains who has a PATH requirement, how to meet the PATH requirement, and more.
• Kentucky HEALTH Getting Started Guide – The Getting Started Guide contains detailed information about each component of the Kentucky HEALTH program, as well as sections for each eligibility group. Individuals can refer to the sections of the Guide that are relevant to them, based on their unique situation, and use it to help satisfy the Kentucky HEALTH program requirements.
“The Kentucky HEALTH team has worked diligently since the Medicaid 1115 waiver was granted federal approval to create a library of high-quality information aimed at helping people understand the recent changes to Medicaid,” said CHFS Deputy Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We are excited to share this information and the wealth of resources offered, and as always, look forward to receiving feedback on this new content.”
While Kentucky HEALTH launches statewide on July 1, 2018, the PATH Community Engagement component of Kentucky HEALTH will be implemented on a regional or county-by-county basis. The only county that will have a PATH Community Engagement requirement on July 1, 2018, is Campbell County in Northern Kentucky. Details about future phases and the PATH Rollout schedule are available on the Kentucky HEALTH website Resources page.
Full-time employees, full-time students, or the primary caregivers of a dependent child are not required to complete the PATH requirement if they have reported their work or school status to a DCBS worker or updated their information at benefind.ky.gov. However, they are able to take advantage of the PATH assistance and resources to access additional job, training and volunteering opportunities and can earn valuable incentives when they do.
Medicaid recipients who have questions about Kentucky HEALTH are encouraged to go to KentuckyHEALTH.ky.gov or call 1-855-306-8959.
–From Cabiinet for Health and Family Services
