Deadline for Changing KanCare Health Plans Approaching
Posted March 26, 2013 by Mandy Smith in Consumer Education
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Secretary Shawn Sullivan today reminded KanCare participants that the April 4, 2013, deadline for changing their Managed Care Organization (MCO) health plan is rapidly approaching. KanCare participants who wish to stay with their current MCO do not need to take any action. Those wishing to change to a different MCO health plan before the deadline may call 866 305-5147 for assistance. This opportunity is open for participants who were enrolled in the program as of January 1, 2013.
The next opportunity for these participants to change their MCO health plan will be at the end of this year, when the next open enrollment period begins. Those who become eligible for KanCare later in the year will have a 90-day period in which they can change their MCO health plan, and their next opportunity will be during the annual open enrollment period. Visit http://www.kancare.ks.gov/choosing_a_plan.htm for more information on the three KanCare MCO health plans.
Or, if you need face-to-face assistance, a new entity called the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), is a resource that is part of KanCare. This companion to KanCare offers a statewide network of ADRC counselors who provide options counseling, information and guidance to Kansans of all ages and abilities— and income levels, not just KanCare participants—through a single point of entry.
The 11 Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas provide ADRC services in 105 counties across Kansas. These include:
• Information, Referral and Assistance
• Options Assistance Counseling
• Functional Assessments (including CARE assessments)
The ADRCs function as a visible and trusted resource throughout the state, providing simplified access to long-term services and supports as well as publicly administered programs such as Medicaid.
“ADRCs are empowering older adults and the disabled to make informed choices about their services and supports,” said KDADS Secretary Sullivan. “They streamline access and ensure that each individual’s needs are being met. The ADRC can refer individuals to an array of in-home, community-based and nursing home services, as well as provide decision-making support.”
Dave Geist, Executive Director of the Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging and prime contractor of the ADRC, added “The ADRC one-stop shops allow older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers and families, to get information and services they need as their health and long-term care needs change. The ADRCs are only one phone call away.”
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) are a resource for all Kansans. Kansans interested in accessing information or connecting with their local ADRC may contact the statewide call center at 1-855-200-ADRC (2372).
