FRANKFORT, KY (February 10, 2022) — Today, Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP), the trade association representing all carriers offering health coverage in Kentucky, issued the following statement after the Kentucky House Health & Welfare Committee advanced HB 174, legislation sponsored by Rep. McKenzie Cantrell of Louisville, Chairwoman Kim Moser of Independence, Rep. Al Gentry of Louisville, Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson and Rep. Susan Westrom of Lexington that adds Medicaid behavioral health coverage for eligible moms for a postpartum period of 12 months.
“Since the transition to Medicaid Managed Care over a decade ago, Kentucky has made strides in improving prenatal and postpartum healthcare access,” said Tom Stephens, Executive Director of Kentucky Association of Health Plans. “Kentucky’s Medicaid Managed Care Organizations applaud Rep. Cantrell for working to build on this progress, especially in the area of mental health where conditions like postpartum depression present serious challenges for new mothers and families.”
Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), Kentucky has the option to extend postpartum coverage under Medicaid to 12 months beginning on April 1, 2022.
“Postpartum depression affects a significant portion of new mothers, and when left untreated is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related death. Kentucky’s Medicaid Managed Care Organizations are well-positioned to ramp up outreach and connect moms to supports services that can change and save lives,” continued Stephens.
The bill could next move to the House floor. The 2022 legislative session ends on April 14.
About Kentucky Association of Health Plans:
Kentucky Association of Health Plans is the trade organization representing the Kentucky health insurance community. KAHP is a leader on issues that strengthen the accessibility, value, and quality of health care in the Commonwealth. Members include Aetna, Anthem, CareSource, Humana, Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare, UnitedHealth Group and WellCare. For more information visit: www.kahp.org or follow @kyhealthplans on Twitter.
