Kentucky Youth Advocates

Health

Kentucky Youth Advocates monitors and influences Kentucky children's health legislation and administrative regulations, conducts research, and writes about relevant issues. KYA also participates in various coalitions, committees, and state advisory boards to ensure that low-income children’s health needs are met and families are supported.

SCHIP Reauthorization

SCHIP is a ten year old federal program that provides health insurance to over six million children. The program covers kids in working families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but often can’t afford health coverage. Current versions of the bill would allow an additional 3.5 million children from low-income families access to health insurance.

Currently, efforts to pass a SCHIP reauthorization bill that would allow an additional 3.5 million children healthcare insurance has been stalled in Congress as Republicans and Democrats continue negotiations to try to reach an agreement on a new SCHIP reauthorization bill.

Update 8/25/07 : Newer version passed by the House
See our SCHIP fact sheet.
Read Executive Director, Terry Brooks' op-ed, "SCHIP: It's Time to Put Kids First" in the Courier-Journal.

Medicaid

Kentucky Youth Advocates recently concluded a “Medicaid Hotline.” The results of which are included in the report that outlines Medicaid options for families. This report was in collaboration with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

View KYA's Issue Brief: Kentucky Health Choices and Children
State Auditor Finds Problems with Ky's Medicaid Program: Read the press release from Crit Luallen's office.

Dental Health

All children need good oral health to grow and thrive, yet too many children in Kentucky do not get the dental care they need. Kentucky Youth Advocates has been keeping track of the issue. To learn more see the resources below.

Healthy Kentucky Smiles: a Lifetime of Oral Health (pdf) (2006) A statewide oral health strategic plan

Kentucky’s Cavity: Parents Voice Concerns about Children’s Dental Care in their Communities (pdf) (2005) In a Kentucky Youth Advocates report, parents cite multiple barriers in accessing dental care for their children, especially among low-income families.

Report | Executive Summary

Open Wide or Lock Jaw? Children's Dental Health Access in Kentucky (pdf) (2003) Kentucky Youth Advocates

Farm Bill Reauthorization

The farm bill is renewed every five years, and this year's revision is pending before the House Agricultural Committee. The bill covers crop subsidies, conservation efforts, loan programs and food stamps.