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KU Health System to offer ACA coverage

Posted at 2:12 PM, Nov 16, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-16 18:22:26-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patients with Obamacare exchange plans can continue receiving care through the University of Kansas Health System.

On Wednesday afternoon KU announced it struck a deal with Centene and its local health plans to provide coverage in-network. Previously, there was no option in the Affordable Care Act marketplace that included the KU Health System. 

A spokesman for the University of Kansas Health System said it is currently notifying patients of the change and providing information on the new plan.

"We understand this situation has been challenging for patients and their care teams. We are committed to the care and wellbeing of our patients and look forward to being able to continue to serve them through our partnership," Dennis McCulloch, Director of Public and Media Relations, said.

The news was welcome to Molly Moffett with the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County

"I literally jumped up and cheered. There was cheering all throughout the office," she laughed and said.

In her role at the health council and Cover KC, an initiative sponsored by several non-profits, Moffett has been busy this fall helping people enroll in ACA plans. She fielded many questions from KU Health System patients. 

"Folks were kind of between a rock and hard place, because while they could get affordable coverage, they couldn't go to any of their doctors," she said.

Unfortunately, that's still the case for some patients. Neither Shawnee Mission Health nor Olathe Health are covered through the exchanges. A spokeswoman with Shawnee Mission did say the health system is trying to change that, but no formal agreement has been reached.

The enrollment period continues through December 15. Up until that date you can also change your selections. You can find free in-person help for your healthcare enrollment by calling 211.