BHDID and Medicaid Updates from the Advocacy Action Network

​BREAKING NEWSII  WE HAVE A NEW COMMISSIONER FOR THE DEPARTMENT FOR
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES (BHDID)
Please see Acting Commissioner Stephanie Craycraft’s note below and extend a welcome to Dr. Katie Marks
 
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Katherine Marks to the position of Commissioner of the Department.  I know that Dr. Marks will bring the same energy, enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and dedication to the role of Commissioner as she has her previous role as the Project Director for the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE).   Her efforts have been key to the expansion of a comprehensive, recovery-oriented system of care which has changed the lives of countless individuals in the Commonwealth who have been affected by the opioid epidemic. 
The Department’s efforts to facilitate recovery for Kentuckians affected by substance use and mental illness and to support those with intellectual or other developmental disabilities will undoubtedly be strengthened under Dr. Marks’ leadership. 
It has been a privilege to serve in the role as acting Commissioner for the past several months and to collaborate with our dedicated partners who are committed to meeting the needs of the people we serve.  I look forward to continuing to our collaboration as I revert to my role as Deputy Commissioner. 
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As of May 31st, the first round of required Medicaid renewals is in the books…and the results so far are very bad.  Despite the best efforts of KY DMS, providers, the MCOs and advocates, only 50% of the 74,004 individuals who needed to renew their Medicaid coverage by the end of May actually did so.  There were terminations of Medicaid coverage for 34,124 Kentuckians.  Of nearly 6,000 Kentuckians who then became eligible for a Qualified Health Plan on kynect, only 460 have enrolled!  24,521 individuals on Medicaid have not responded at all to letters, calls or other communications to return the required paperwork...but they still have time!! 
DMS and the MCOs will continue to reach out to those 24,000+ Kentuckians who can still easily respond and keep their coverage retroactive to May 31st.  After 90 days, they can still respond, but will need to reapply for Medicaid which will become active with their application.
We must ALL reach out to every Kentuckians we know, work with or serve to urge them to respond to their letter from DMS or to contact a DCBS office or a kynector who can help them get their Medicaid coverage and benefits going again!