KanCare is Kansas’ state Medicaid program. It provides a variety of health care services to low-income residents of Kansas, including families, seniors and individuals with specific illnesses, such as breast cancer, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Services covered by KanCare include doctor visits and medical treatment, dental care, physical therapy, counseling and prescription medications.
KanCare’s standard state plan provides financial assistance with the cost of assisted living in some cases. While this coverage is generally only available to those in nursing homes, KanCare will cover assisted living costs for seniors in long-term care facilities who receive a high level of care.
KanCare programs are funded by the state and must adhere to parameters that are determined by the federal government. KanCare provides free access to healthcare for elderly applicants with incomes of $62 per month or less. Those with incomes higher than $62 may be eligible for subsidized care which is determined by a sliding scale and based on income. KanCare’s spend-down program allows participants to pay for medical expenses before considering their subsidy amount. Applicants may not have more than $2,000 in countable assets.
To apply for KanCare’s standard state plan, seniors can contact (800) 792-4884.
Home and Community-Based Services Frail Elderly Waiver
KanCare’s HCBS Frail Elderly waiver was created to reduce the number of seniors who require care in the state’s nursing home facilities. It does so by providing additional care to those who live at home or in assisted living facilities. Services that are provided through this waiver include supervision and support services, dental hygiene care, nurse visits and financial management services.
To qualify for the Frail Elderly Waiver, seniors are required to be 65 years of age or above and may not have an income above $747 per month. Asset limitations are the same as those for the state KanCare program. Seniors are also required to undergo a comprehensive care assessment to determine their level of need.
To apply for the HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver, seniors can call (855) 200-2372.