FRANKFORT, KY. – Yesterday, the Kentucky legislature passed House Bill 2, codifying provisions of the new federal Medicaid law related to Medicaid work reporting requirements and co-payments into state statute. The final bill reflects changes to what the House initially proposed after Medicaid advocates raised concerns.
The following is a Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Doug Hogan:
“House Bill 2, which passed in the Kentucky legislature today, has come a long way from what was originally proposed, showing the power of our collective advocacy on behalf of Medicaid enrollees in the Commonwealth. In its original form, the bill would have disproportionately penalized cancer patients by jumping the gun on starting Medicaid copayments and implementing the maximum allowable co-payment of $35 for inpatient hospital care, which is where cancer patients largely receive their lifesaving treatment. Lawmakers heard from advocates concerned about the early adoption of copays and high copay amounts, and took action in the Senate to reduce the service copay to $5.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) thanks the Senate for taking action to reduce the legislation's impact on cancer patients and adjusting the timeline for Medicaid changes to mirror new federal law requirements. While ACS CAN continues to have concerns that copays of any amount and copays across service categories threaten access for cancer patients, we appreciate the legislature making adjustments to reduce the biggest barriers in this bill.
“While many of our concerns were addressed, we look forward to continuing the dialogue with lawmakers and the Department of Medicaid Services. Kentucky families, especially those impacted by cancer, deserve stability, dignity and a system that protects them when they are at their most vulnerable.”