LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Changes to Kentucky's Medicaid requirements mean thousands of Kentuckians have lost their health benefits and thousands more are at risk of being dropped.
Anthem Health has partnered with Shively Area Ministries on Dixie Highway to help connect clients to the resources they need. They met with several people Thursday to answer questions and provide assistance. Tables were set up with information pamphlets and enrollment forms staffed by representatives from Kynect and other organizations like Bridgehaven Mental Health Services.
Many Kentucky residents became eligible to receive benefits during relaxed requirements that took effect during the pandemic. Now that it's over, the guidelines to qualify have reverted back to those in effect before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since we are no longer under a health emergency, the Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services began "unwinding" those COVID policies, including requirements to received Medicaid benefits. That means some people who previously qualified for Medicaid no longer do. Meanwhile, another 1.2 million Kentuckians who currently qualify don't know they're at risk of losing their Medicaid benefits.
It may be as simple as making sure the address on file with Kynect is correct, checking the mail for updates or turning in a form.
"We're seeing so many clients who don't know they lost their Medicaid or are at risk of losing their Medicaid," said Debbie Brawner, the financial assistance coordinator at Shively Area Ministries. "In three big chunks, it's happening. Now, before COVID, they didn't go by income requirements. Now, we're back to 'It's no longer a state of emergency.'"
Representatives with Kynect said more than 156,000 people have been dropped from Medicaid since May. Of those, 57% of those were dropped for procedural reasons, not because they no longer qualified for coverage.
Renewal forms were sent to thousands of people in Kentucky and Indiana in March 2023, and now coverage has lapsed for anyone who did not complete the form to re-enroll.
If you find out your Medicaid coverage has been suspended, click here for guidance.
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- Medicaid coverage renewal notices being sent to Indiana, Kentucky residents
- How to shop for new insurance if you lose Medicaid coverage
- Millions who rely on Medicaid may be booted from program
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