The KEJC funding supported the challenge a Medicaid section 1115 waiver-demonstration program that, in the Kentucky Administration’s own estimate, could have led to the loss of Medicaid coverage for 100,000 Kentuckians. The lawsuit and subsequent court proceedings kept the most detrimental provisions in the waiver from being implemented until the Governorship changed. The waiver was rescinded on December 16, 2019.

 

While the waiver was still under review, our Foundation partnered with the Bevin Administration to help ensure that as many Kentuckians on Medicaid as possible would retain their coverage. The partnership included the creation of a new 501(c)3 organization to cover Medicaid premiums, an advisory council to gather and share input and resolve issues as the waiver was implemented, and partnerships to help Kentuckians meet the new community engagement requirements under the waiver.

 

This two-pronged approach helped maintain gains in insurance coverage for Kentuckians under the expanded Medicaid program authorized by the Affordable Care Act.

 

Kentucky Voices for Health was instrumental with their coordination among advocates, community organizations, state agencies, and policymakers to address the health and access to health care issues, while keeping focused on making change through policy advocacy. KVH, in partnership with other advocacy organizations, launched the InsureKY campaign, to support Kentuckian's access to health care coverage through coordinated media campaigns, meetings with legislators, data requests, testimony for public meetings, calls-to-action, press releases and press conferences. This group gained partnership and expanded its focus to become what is now ThriveKY, a coalition of organizations who pursue systemic change to meet the basic needs of every Kentuckian.