Readout of Acting HHS Secretary Hargan’s Visit to Frankfort, Ky.

Acting Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Eric Hargan traveled to Frankfort, Kentucky on Wednesday, where he met with Governor Matt Bevin, senior members of Bevin’s administration, and citizens of the Commonwealth to discuss how HHS can better work with state partners to address America’s most pressing health challenges – all while fostering growth and innovation in the healthcare field.

Acting Secretary Hargan met with Governor Bevin and senior members of his administration to hear first-hand about the work they’ve been doing on the front lines to bring innovative solutions to their Medicaid program They then engaged in a roundtable discussion with members of the community, who shared stories regarding how Medicaid has impacted their lives, and how the addition of community engagement and work requirements to the Kentucky Medicaid program would help Kentuckians. The group also provided valuable feedback to HHS regarding how the Department can effectively partner with states, giving them the flexibility they need to best serve their citizens.

 “With Kentucky receiving the first approval for community engagement requirements for certain adults in the Medicaid program, we look forward to working with the Commonwealth on developing innovative strategies to improve the health and well-being of its Medicaid beneficiaries,” said Acting Secretary Hargan. “I enjoyed speaking with Governor Bevin, officials implementing the Kentucky waiver, and individuals who spoke about the great benefits and dignity finding work had brought to their lives.”

The Commonwealth’s Section 1115 Medicaid waiver, known as Kentucky HEALTH — “Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health,” is a new initiative to improve the health of its participants. The waiver was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) earlier this month.

The visits were a part of an ongoing effort by HHS to reaffirm the Trump administration’s commitment to working with local communities on efforts to address the nation’s healthcare challenges.

More information on Kentucky Health may be found here.