Meeting Western Kentucky Healthcare Needs
The destruction of this past weekend’s tornadoes in Kentucky have paralyzed the nation. For #TeamKentucky, we are now reminding the country of what we do best — uniting as a single #KentuckyStrong family, showing up for our fellow neighbor, and making sure every single loved one and stranger alike is taken care of as thousands are forced to rebuild from nothing. The loss of life and injuries so many have sustained are tragic, and our hearts remain with every single family facing the trauma and heartache of these painful losses. To our colleagues, partners, and friends — we stand with you in the difficult weeks and months ahead. If you need assistance not listed or described below, please visit the new Tornado Resources landing page on Governor Beshear’s official website for more information.
Do you need or do you know someone in tornado-impacted areas that needs healthcare coverage or access to a provider?
Kentuckians can enroll in Medicaid at any time throughout the year and Presumptive Eligibility (PE) Medicaid is the fastest way to get covered for people who need additional time to submit required additional documentation. Additionally, Kentuckians who are displaced by the recent natural disaster may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. As soon as we have additional details, we will share as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we encourage individuals to find a kynector or insurance agent nearby to help them explore their options.
Are you following the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) on Facebook? KPCA is providing the latest updates on impacted providers in tornado ravaged areas, as well as which healthcare facilities are back up and running for Kentuckians to be able to access the care they need — even when the circumstances dictate these facilities to run on generator power for the time being. Many providers have also set up mobile clinics in nearby parking lots to assist with the delivery of care right now. Please share KPCA’s updates in order to spread the word assist those in the area in need of care!
Mental health access.
We encourage everyone to take care of themselves, & don’t hesitate to talk to someone about the stresses the tornadoes may be causing for your own #mentalhealth, whether you are directly impacted by the storm’s destruction or are watching and helping from a distance. The Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7:
- Call 1.800.985.5990
- Text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746
- Visit disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
Please consider using Mental Health America of Kentucky as a guiding light at this time as they uplift multiple opportunities and resources for Kentuckians during this time.
NAMI Lexington is also working on uplifting additional mental health resources as well to support those facing storm stress and trauma, and the NAMI-Lexington Warmline is a tremendous asset to those in need of live, compassionate support.
Call the Warmline at 1.877.840.5167!
Monday – Friday 1PM-4PM ET
Monday – Saturday 5PM-9PM ET
Blood donations are needed.
Kentuckians are being encouraged to visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive or donation location near them if they would like to donate blood to help Western Kentuckians in need. Dozens of blood products have been used so far in the region with injured tornado victims, and more donations are needed.
Monetary donations continue to be needed.
The newness of this tragedy still has many of us in shock and disbelief, and the weeks and months ahead will be extremely difficult for thousands of Kentuckians. If you want to help and are in a place to give, we encourage you to consider donating to the official Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.
Many partner organizations have put together resources in response to the weekend’s tornadoes. Here is the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky’s Tornado Recovery Resources and Donation/Volunteering Information if you are interested in additional ways to help our fellow Kentuckians at this time.
TEAM WEST KENTUCKY TORNADO RELIEF FUND
Medicaid & SNAP Resources for Tornado Survivors
The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS), has updated its list of tornado recovery resources for our 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver participants and providers. The listing also includes ways for individuals to help tornado survivors.
Storm Recovery Resources for 1915(c) HCBS Waiver Participants and Providers
This is not an exhaustive list of resources available. If you are aware of a resource that could help 1915(c) HCBS participants and providers, please email the Departmet at MedicaidPublicComment@ky.gov. Thank you to the Pennyrile and Barren River Area Development Districts for sharing their lists with DMS!
If you have an urgent waiver-related need due to the storm, you can also contact the 1915(c) Waiver Help Desk at (844) 784-5614, option 7 or 1915cWaiverHelpDesk@ky.gov.
SNAP & Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Information
The Mayfield/Graves County DCBS offices are inaccessible and closed. DCBS is working to secure temporary locations in order to serve Kentuckians in the area. Family Support customers can call DCBS at 855.306.8959 or visit kynect.ky.gov for assistance with benefits. Clients in tornado impacted areas can also be served at other nearby DCBS locations; search by county to find these locations here.
Kentuckians who need a replacement EBT card should follow these instructions:
- If able to receive mail at the address they have on file with DCBS, call 888.979.9949 to request a replacement card.
- If unable to receive mail at address and are receiving mail at a temporary location, contact DCBS at 855.306.8959 to update this address information and request a new card once the address has been changed.
To report child or adult abuse, neglect or exploitation, call 877.597.2331. And always call 911 for immediate help in these matters.
