In Kansas, the state Medicaid program is called KanCare. It provides low-income residents with low- or no-cost access to necessary health care, including doctors visits, dental care, prescription medications, hospital treatments, laboratory tests and other treatments or therapies. KanCare programs are administered by the state of Kansas and must adhere to parameters set forth by the federal government.
Seniors who reside in assisted living facilities may be eligible for financial assistance under the state KanCare program, which covers up to $2,250 per month for nursing care costs, provided they are receiving a higher level of services and require a nursing level of care.
To qualify for KanCare, applicants with incomes less than $62 per month are eligible to have the full cost of health care services covered by the state while those with higher incomes may receive subsidized care. KanCare has spend-down provisions for participants that allow them to use their income to pay for medical expenses first and report the remainder of their cash to KanCare to increase their coverage. Asset limitations state that applicants may not own more than $2,000 in countable assets.
To apply for KanCare, seniors can call (800) 792-4884.
Home and Community-Based Services Frail Elderly Waiver
The HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver provides seniors who require a nursing level of care with supportive services that include assisted living/personal care services, dental hygiene care, medication reminders, nurse visits and financial management services. The program’s mandate is to decrease the number of seniors residing in nursing care facilities by providing additional services to those living at home or in assisted living facilities.
To be eligible for the Frail Elderly Waiver, seniors must be aged 65 or older and their income must be less than $747 per month. They must undergo a comprehensive care assessment to determine their level of need and must meet the financial eligibility requirements for KanCare.
To apply for this waiver, seniors can call (855) 200-2372.