FRANKFORT, Ky. — A sweeping Medicaid overhaul bill advanced in Frankfort after the House Appropriations Committee approved House Bill 2 in a 14-4 vote.
Ken Fleming sponsors the bill, which seeks to reshape Kentucky’s Medicaid program by increasing oversight, reducing fraud and aligning the system with new federal requirements.
Supporters say the proposal would improve health outcomes and ensure taxpayer dollars prioritize the state’s most vulnerable residents. The measure introduces stricter accountability standards for managed care organizations, updates eligibility review processes, enhances transportation options for medical appointments and creates a public health care transparency dashboard.
The legislation would also enforce federally mandated community engagement requirements — commonly known as work requirements — for certain able-bodied adults. Children, pregnant women, caregivers and individuals with serious health conditions would remain exempt.
Opponents argue the bill would increase co-pays for specialty services such as dialysis, cardiology and cancer treatment, along with emergency room visits, placing a heavier financial burden on low-income patients.
Health care providers, including Appalachian Regional Healthcare, expressed support for provisions designed to improve access to care.
House Bill 2 now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for full consideration.
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