Participants discuss innovative new Medicaid program
Contact: Woody Maglinger
502-564-2611
Woody.Maglinger@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2018) – Gov. Matt Bevin today welcomed Acting U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Eric Hargan, along with officials and citizens of the Commonwealth, to the Governor’s Mansion for a roundtable discussion on Kentucky HEALTH and community engagement.
The roundtable included Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Secretary Hal Heiner, Kentucky Health & Family Services Secretary Vickie Glisson and other state policy officials, as well as representatives from stakeholder groups and Kentuckians who have used similar programs and supports found in Kentucky HEALTH to overcome barriers and improve their personal situation.
“With Kentucky receiving the first approval for community engagement requirements for certain adults in the Medicaid program, we look forward to working with the Commonwealth on developing innovative strategies to improve the health and well-being of its Medicaid beneficiaries,” said Acting Secretary Hargan. “I enjoyed speaking with Gov. Bevin, officials implementing the Kentucky waiver, and individuals who spoke to the great benefits and dignity finding work had brought to their lives.”
Earlier this month, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Commonwealth’s Section 1115 Medicaid waiver known as Kentucky HEALTH — “Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health.” Kentucky’s new program will improve the health of its participants, strengthen Medicaid’s long-term fiscal sustainability, and promote personal responsibility for health and well-being.
“We want to be sure to come out of the gate right, and Kentucky is extremely prepared to implement this Medicaid waiver,” said Gov. Bevin. “So much work has been done to do this correctly, which was one of many variables I believe instilled confidence in Kentucky’s ability to effectively implement this waiver.”
Kentucky HEALTH introduces innovative delivery system reforms for the treatment of substance abuse, and a first-ever community engagement initiative for Kentucky HEALTH members designed to improve their health and strengthen Kentucky’s workforce.
Kentucky HEALTH is an innovative approach that will put Kentuckians on a path to better health, and is key to ensuring the long-term viability of the Medicaid program. In addition, Kentucky HEALTH will ensure availability of Medicaid resources to our most vulnerable citizens by saving an initial estimated $2 billion (federal and state) over the waiver demonstration period, allowing these funds to be focused on those most in need and other critical areas.
Full details about this program can be found at www.KentuckyHEALTH.ky.gov.
Photos from today’s event can be downloaded here.