TOPEKA, Kan. — Following a comprehensive review of Medicaid eligibility in Kansas, recent data reveals a significant impact on the state’s younger population, with approximately 47% of those affected being children aged 18 and under.
Heather Braum, senior policy adviser at Kansas Action for Children, expressed deep concern over the implications of gaps in health insurance coverage, emphasizing potential long-term consequences. “Even brief lapses in coverage can result in children missing crucial medications or unable to see a doctor when ill,” Braum stated. “These statistics highlight a concerning reality where thousands of Kansas children are likely going without the essential protection of health coverage, which could lead to both immediate and future health challenges. Additionally, families are exposed to high medical costs and potential debt.”
Out of the 75,532 Kansans who lost health care coverage, 24,673 were children aged 0-12, and 10,632 were aged 13-18, according to the latest figures.
Braum pointed to systemic challenges within the renewal process, noting that many children rely on their parents to complete paperwork that is sometimes hindered by factors beyond their control, such as mail delays or incomplete submissions.
The Medicaid review initiative, known as “unwinding,” was initiated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in April 2023 to reassess eligibility after federal pandemic-era protections expired. During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal “continuous coverage” provisions prevented Medicaid administrators from terminating coverage except under specific circumstances, leading to an increase in KanCare participation from 410,000 to 540,000 individuals.
Early stages of the unwinding process were marked by logistical issues including signature discrepancies, slow mail delivery, and insufficient communication from state authorities regarding renewal requirements. The KDHE helpline received over 37,000 calls in May and June 2023 as Kansans sought clarification. Some Medicaid renewal notices took up to 10 days to reach recipients, contributing to missed deadlines.
Despite efforts to streamline operations by increasing staffing and resources, thousands of Kansans remain without health insurance coverage following the unwinding’s completion on May 31.
The Kansas Health Institute offers detailed county-by-county data on coverage losses via an interactive map, revealing that 318,791 individuals retained their coverage, while 75,420 must reapply due to missed deadlines.
April Holman, Executive Director of Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, expressed grave concern over the local impact, particularly for children who lost coverage despite their eligibility. “Many families who relied on Medicaid now face daily health challenges without insurance,” Holman stated. “This situation underscores the precarious position where families may feel compelled to choose between medical care and other essential needs.”
Holman advocated for Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, highlighting the federal government’s financial support for such initiatives aimed at expanding coverage for low-income families.
Nationally, data compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates over 20 million individuals have been disenrolled from Medicaid across states implementing unwinding processes. A significant portion, 69%, lost coverage due to procedural reasons such as incomplete renewal processes.
A recent analysis by Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy estimates that 5.13 million children nationwide have lost Medicaid coverage to date.
Efforts to address these challenges in Kansas include calls for enhanced outreach and educational efforts by KDHE, particularly targeting families within the reinstatement window.
The unfolding Medicaid review in Kansas underscores ongoing concerns about access to healthcare for vulnerable populations and highlights the critical role of sustained coverage in safeguarding public health.
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