NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Eligibility reviews for KanCare, the state's health insurance that combines Medicaid and the SCHIP program have paused since March 2020 and are resuming in April due to changes in federal law.
"In the federal spending bill that passed, Congress decided to end this continuous eligibility provision on March 31, 2023, so in a couple of weeks," said Heather Braum with Kansas Action for Children. "States would then begin their regular redetermination processes, over a time period determined by each state. Kansas will take a year to work through this process."
The most important thing current KanCare users can do is be sure the state knows how to contact you.
"If you haven't already, you need to update, if your contact information details have changed over the last three years," Braum said. "You need to update that information with the state so they can reach you. You can do that in two different ways. You can call the KanCare Clearinghouse phone number at 1-800-792-4884, or you can go to kancare.ks.gov. There's a little red chat bubble at the bottom right of the screen that you can click on and update your contact information online."
If you don't tell them how to get a hold of you by mail to prove you are still eligible, you could lose coverage.
"There may be people who lose coverage because of red tape, administrative burdens, or they didn't open their mail like they needed to," Braum said. "They are going to remain eligible. For kids, this is of particular concern."
KanCare will let you know when to renew your Kansas Medicaid or SCHIP eligibility. Be on the lookout for your notice in the mail and respond immediately to requests for information.
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