Kentucky Launches Program to Grant Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility for Prenatal Care

The Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services on Nov. 1 launched a new program granting Medicaid presumptive eligibility to pregnant women. Under presumptive eligibility, providers participating in Medicaid can complete a "simple application" to determine whether a pregnant patient qualifies. If the patient's annual household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, or about $32,600 for a family of four, the woman will receive Medicaid coverage of prenatal care for up to 90 days or until she becomes eligible for full Medicaid benefits, whichever is first. During the 90-day period, women who are granted presumptive eligibility will be asked to visit a local office of the Department for Community Based Services to determine eligibility for full Medicaid benefits. Provider participation in the presumptive eligibility program is voluntary and requires "special training" to determine eligibility (Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services release, 10/29).