Press Release

Today, January 27th, Appalachians for Medicaid released a collection of digital stories from Kentuckians and other Appalachians whose lives have been positively impacted by the Medicaid program. The online storybook features stories from people with Medicaid coverage, health care providers, and enrollment assisters living in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia that have seen improvements in their lives and in their communities because of Medicaid. The storybook highlights how Medicaid has helped eastern Kentuckians get lifesaving health treatment and peace of mind, including cancer screenings, mental health and substance use treatment, home health care, and more. Appalachians for Medicaid is a joint project between Kentucky Voices for Health, the Tennessee Health Care Campaign, UHCAN Ohio, West Virginians for Affordable Health Care and Community Catalyst. The collection of organizations are joining together to lift up the health care stories and lived experiences of Appalachians and highlight the positive impact Medicaid has had on enrollees, health care providers, and on state and local economies in the Appalachian region. “You’ve gotta take

On January 8, 2021, KVH submitted official comments to the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These comments are in response to their recently amended 1115 Medicaid waiver, which would provide substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health services to eligible Kentuckians during incarceration. Read our official comments below. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services  7500 Security Boulevard  Baltimore, MD 21244  To Whom It May Concern:  Comments re: KENTUCKY §1115 Waiver  Amendment SUD Incarceration Services  Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Kentucky Department of  Medicaid Services’ (DMS) Section 1115 SUD Demonstration Proposed  Amendment: Continuity of Care for Incarcerated Members. Kentucky Voices  for Health (KVH) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) coalition of consumer advocates  that represents more than 200 individual and organizational members from  across the commonwealth working to address the underlying causes of poor  health through policy advocacy. KVH hopes everyone in and around the  Capitol

On November 6, 2020, KVH submitted official comments to the Department of Medicaid Services in response to their recently amended 1115 Medicaid waiver, which would provide substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health services to eligible Kentuckians during incarceration. Read our official comments below, along with additional comments KVH collected from consumers and advocates HERE. SUD Incarceration Amendment Comment  c/o DMS Commissioner’s Office  275 E. Main St. 6W-A  Frankfort, KY 40621 To Whom It May Concern: Comments re:  §1115 Waiver Amendment – SUD Incarceration Services Submitted via Email to:  DMS.ISSUES@ky.gov    Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services’ (DMS) Section 1115 SUD Demonstration Proposed Amendment: Continuity of Care for Incarcerated Members.  Kentucky Voices for Health (KVH) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) coalition of consumer advocates that represents more than 200 individual and organizational members from across the commonwealth working to address the underlying causes of poor health through policy advocacy. KVH is deeply supportive of