Bill > HB357

This bill expands Medicaid eligibility and creates a comprehensive family planning program in Kentucky. It amends existing law to include pregnant women and new mothers in Medicaid coverage for up to 12 months postpartum, regardless of citizenship or national origin. The bill establishes a new family planning program within the Department for Medicaid Services that provides a wide range of services to eligible individuals with family incomes up to 260% of the federal poverty guidelines, including those who would not typically qualify due to citizenship status. The program covers extensive family planning services such as contraceptives, voluntary sterilization, preventive screenings, sexually transmitted infection treatments, and related medical services. Importantly, the program mandates that services be provided without prior authorization requirements, cost-sharing, or discrimination based on an individual's or their partner's sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department for Medicaid Services is required to create administrative regulations, collaborate with various stakeholders, and develop a community education campaign to facilitate program participation. If federal waivers are needed for implementation, the department must request them within 90 days of the act's effective date and delay implementation only for provisions requiring such authorization.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb357.html