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[Audio] Recipients Leery of Proposed Changes to Kentucky's Medicaid Program

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As Governor Matt Bevin prepares to re-design Kentucky’s Medicaid program, a new national survey shows the commonwealth with the second-largest gains in insurance coverage. More than half-a-million Kentuckians obtained coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act. Some 80 percent of the newly insured went onto the Medicaid rolls. But many Medicaid enrollees are worried about what lies ahead under the state’s new Republican governor. From member station WKYU, Lisa Autry introduces us to one of them in this report.

Governor Matt Bevin has said he will submit a plan to the federal government this year that, if approved, would revamp Kentucky’s Medicaid system. Bevin says having more than a quarter of the state’s population covered by the government -subsidized program isn’t sustainable. Bevin’s plan would likely have recipients pay small premiums and co-pays. Fifty-year-old Teresa Bowley of Bowling Green gained coverage about six months ago, and says she doesn’t mind contributing something to her health care costs.

Former Democratic Governor Steve Beshear opted to expand Kentucky's Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act. Since leaving office, Beshear has launched an effort to preserve the coverage.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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