KanCare: Kansas Medicaid Program

KanCare is funded by both the federal government and the state of Kansas. It covers medically necessary services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and other treatments. You might be eligible if you are:

• Pregnant
• Caring for a child under 19
• Disabled
• Blind
• 65 years or older
• Have low income

Managed care organizations (MCOs):  KanCare beneficiaries choose a health plan from one of three MCOs that coordinate their care. The MCOs are:

• Aetna Better Health of Kansas
• Sunflower State Health Plan
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas

How to Apply for KanCare?

When applying for Kansas Medicaid / KanCare, it is important to ensure that you have all of the necessary information before beginning the application process. The first step is to visit the official website of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and download an application form. Carefully fill out the form and attach all required documents and proofs of eligibility. Once completed, submit the form via mail or in person.

Then, review your household’s income to determine if you qualify for KanCare. Generally, income includes cash from family and friends, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, employment wages, interest from a bank account, annuity payments, and IRA withdrawals. In addition, income from stock dividends and life insurance policies may be excluded if it is paid directly to the beneficiary.

If your income is above the Medicaid eligibility limit, you may be able to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans are privately owned and offer more coverage than original Medicare. However, their premiums can be quite high. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid this problem.

KanCare Medicare Advantage Plans

There are many different Medicare Advantage plans available to Kansans. These plans can cover prescription drugs, vision, hearing, and other supplemental services. Typically, Medicare Advantage plans also require you to use hospitals and doctors that are part of their network. These plans are different from original Medicare Parts A and B. You should carefully review all of the options available before making a decision.

In addition to Medicare Advantage, Kansans can choose from a variety of Medicare Supplemental insurance (Medigap) policies. These plans help pay the out-of-pocket costs that original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as deductibles and copayments. They can be purchased from private insurance companies. Generally, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medigap during the open enrollment period between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. However, if you have a qualifying special circumstance, you can switch to a new plan at any time throughout the year.

There are 92 Medicare Advantage plans offered in 2024 by various carriers in Kansas, and eight of these have received the highest quality rating from CMS. MoneyGeek has ranked these plans, which are all widely available and can help you choose the best one for your needs.