Messsenger-Inquirer - Kentucky’s recently implemented managed care organization model for Medicaid isn’t perfect, but state representatives Tommy Thompson and Jim Glenn said the state is trying to work out the issues with the for-profit companies providing insurance coverage.

“Anytime you make a change, there are always adjustments,” Thompson said in a phone interview during a break from a legislative session Wednesday. “Obviously, this system has only been in place since last November, so everybody is still, so to speak, feeling their way through it.

“We’ve gotten a number of inquiries from folks about payment problems and paperwork, and so forth, and as these concerns are expressed to us in our Frankfort office from constituents, we’re immediately contacting the Cabinet (for Health and Family Services) and conveying those concerns to them and asking that they address them as quickly as possible.”

Medicaid is a program that provides health care coverage to eligible low-income Kentucky residents. It covers families with children and pregnant women, medically needy individuals, the elderly and people with disabilities. An MCO is a health plan that coordinates all of someone’s health care, including medical and behavioral care, and, in some cases, dental care.

Kentucky has contracted with three MCOs to provide Medicaid insurance — Kentucky Spirit Health Plan, WellCare of Kentucky and CoventryCare of Kentucky. The MCO model has been adopted by several states and replaces the former model that was funded by taxpayers.

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