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Commonwealth Distributing Updated Resources to Help Providers Check Medicaid Eligibility

Posted at 3:32 PM, Jul 06, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-06 15:32:12-04

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) – In response to changes resulting from the recent judicial decision on Kentucky HEALTH, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is making updated guidance available on Medicaid benefits.

“The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) has not changed any policies relating to the eligibility of pregnant women and children, and they should continue to receive all services, including vision and dental,” said CHFS Deputy Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We’ve received reports that some providers have misinterpreted earlier training and guidance, and we regret any confusion that caused Kentuckians on Medicaid to not receive the care for which they are eligible.”

Putnam said that DMS has contacted various providers around the state, and those offices have reported that vision and dental eligibility are being correctly applied for pregnant women and children.

Dozens of provider trainings were conducted throughout Kentucky, which included training on how to read the new screens starting July 1. There were, however, minor changes to language and how information was displayed since those trainings in response to the June 29 court ruling.  CHFS has taken feedback from providers on how to better display the information and make it easier to understand.

“We have identified examples where providers have misinterpreted computer screen eligibility information and turned away some patients despite them having active coverage. To eliminate further confusion, we have created several documents aimed at educating Medicaid recipients about their benefits and outlining the beneficiaries who have routine vision and dental coverage,” concluded Putnam. “We are continuing to work with providers and MCOs to clarify benefits.”

The Updated KYHealthNet Dental and Vision Provider Resource Guide is being distributed by the Department for Medicaid Services to providers via Managed Care Organizations and Provider Groups.

It is also available online at KYHealthNet and on www.KentuckyHEALTH.ky.gov.

Resources available on Kentucky HEALTH’s homepage include: