KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Prefix Health Technologies are launching a pilot program to speed up the process of determining Medicaid eligibility for Kansas older adults who seek coverage for long-term care (LTC).

“KanCare is working to improve the customer experience for applicants, and the Prefix Health solution has the potential to be a key part of that effort,” said KDHE Secretary Jeff Andersen. “We are excited to partner with Prefix Health to bring a data-driven, transparent approach to improving the determination process.”

Delays in Medicaid eligibility determinations often leave LTC providers to bear the expense of a resident’s care for months before the facility can be paid.

“Kansas LTC providers care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. We welcome this step toward reducing these unnecessary delays in reimbursing them for doing so,” said Cindy Luxem, CEO/President, Kansas Health Care Association. “Streamlining this process and identifying areas where more information is needed gives LTC facilities more control in the process, enabling them to sustain this vital work.”

The Prefix Health solution leverages powerful data retrieval and machine learning technologies to quickly access and analyze data from secure, trusted third-party sources, such as banks and other financial institutions. This expedited digital approach reduces the information-gathering burden on residents and their families while providing additional usability and security.

“We are eager to partner with the KDHE Division of Health Care Financing on this pilot,” said Steve Grant, CEO, Prefix Health. “Improving this process will benefit residents, LTC facilities, and KanCare, putting Kansas on the road to assuring a stable, financially secure LTC sector that can meet the challenges of an aging population.”