State Submits Operational Modifications To Kentucky’s Medicaid Transformation Proposal

The Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services announced that it will provide the public the opportunity to review and provide input on operational modifications to the 1115 Kentucky HEALTH demonstration waiver application that is currently pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Last year, Governor Matt Bevin, Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, and other state health officials introduced a comprehensive plan to help put Kentuckians on a path to better health outcomes and ensure long-term sustainability of the Medicaid program, known as Kentucky HEALTH (Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health). Kentucky HEALTH is an innovative approach that offers opportunities for individuals to take an active role in their health, engage in their communities, and gain skills for long-term independence and success. The demonstration waiver includes innovative delivery system reforms to expand the treatment of substance abuse, and a unique community engagement and employment initiative for Kentucky HEALTH members designed to strengthen Kentucky’s workforce and improve health and well-being.

“Since its inception, Kentucky HEALTH has been crafted in an open and transparent manner to create the best path forward for all Kentuckians,” said Secretary Glisson. “Over the course of many months, our team of dedicated state employees has worked tirelessly to plan for the successful implementation of Kentucky HEALTH. Thanks to their expertise and commitment to breaking down silos across government agencies, collaborating with local communities, and cutting through bureaucratic red tape, the Commonwealth has identified operational modifications that would support member success, community engagement growth, and administrative efficiency of the program.”

Glisson continued, “Although these revisions fall within the original waiver’s parameters, we will continue this commitment to transparency by accepting public comment on these operational modifications. We look forward to discussing these proposed changes with stakeholders, and continuing this collaborative process.”

Gov. Bevin introduced the demonstration waiver known as Kentucky HEALTH on June 22, 2016, and offered an extended public comment period, during which three public hearings were held and more than 1,400

comments were collected. This feedback from consumers, providers, advocates, and other stakeholders was reviewed and taken into consideration prior to the final proposal being submitted to CMS.

These proposed program operational modifications are a logical outgrowth of the original waiver application, and are minor revisions resulting from the Commonwealth’s ongoing program development efforts and continued negotiations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Although these slight modifications do not meet the standard for requiring public input as set forth at 42 CFR 431.408, the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services will voluntarily hold open a 30-day public comment period and two public forums to gather public input on the proposed modifications.

The Commonwealth will be holding two public forums during the concurrent federal and state comment period:

FIRST PUBLIC HEARING:

• WHO: Representatives of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Governor’s Office
• WHAT: Public Forum
• WHEN: Friday, July 14, 2017, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
• WHERE: The Center for Rural Development 2292 South Highway 27 Suite 300 Somerset, KY 42501
• WHY: Opportunity to receive public input on the proposed operational revisions to the Commonwealth’s pending Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver. A complete draft of the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal and the proposed operational modifications are available for public review online at http://chfs.ky.gov/kentuckyhealth or for in-person inspection at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.
• Please Note: An interpreter for the deaf will be providing translation services at the hearing. Telephonic capabilities will be made available and posted on the Kentucky HEALTH website.

SECOND PUBLIC HEARING:

• WHO: Representatives of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Governor’s Office
• WHAT: Public Hearing
• WHEN: The Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare and Family Services meets at 10 a.m. EST, on Monday, July 17, 2017.  During this meeting, there will be a short presentation explaining the modifications to the waiver. Public comments on the waiver will be taken upon adjournment of the committee meeting.
• WHERE: Kentucky Capitol Annex, room 129 702 Capital Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601
• WHY: Opportunity to receive public input on the proposed operational revisions to the Commonwealth’s pending Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver.
• Please Note: An interpreter for the deaf will be providing translation services at the hearing. Telephonic capabilities will be made available and posted on the Kentucky HEALTH website.

A complete draft of the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal and the proposed operational modifications are available for public review online at http://chfs.ky.gov/kentuckyhealth or for in-person inspection at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.