Kentucky families are grappling with concerns as some children have reportedly been dropped from Medicaid services. Among them is Trina Martin, whose nine-year-old daughter, Ellie, has Down syndrome. Ellie requires full-time care from her mother, alongside specialized support that is not covered by Martin’s primary insurance.
In May 2024, Ellie was approved for a home and community-based waiver. However, during her annual reassessment, Martin received a letter indicating that Ellie was denied further assistance because her care level supposedly no longer met the required standards.
“This caught us off guard since nothing had changed in her condition or the standards,” Martin noted.
In response, the caseworker quickly resubmitted Ellie’s application.
“But it was denied again. Although they backed us, we now have to go through the appeal process,” she explained.
Trina is not alone in this struggle; Angela Fore, whose eight-year-old son Jack also has Down syndrome, faces similar issues. Last year, Jack qualified for the highest level of care, but this year, he too was denied support.
“I manage a lot of his daily needs—bathing, feeding, dressing—activities that qualify for community-based exceptions,” Fore said.
Following her denial, Fore began reaching out to state representatives and legal advisors.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a child with a lifelong genetic disorder being denied Medicaid that they previously qualified for,” she expressed.
Both Martin and Fore have discovered a community online, where they connect with other mothers facing similar challenges. They are now advocating for change on behalf of their children and others in similar situations.
“I met these women through these support groups; it breaks my heart for all of them. I want to be their voice, as well as my daughter’s,” Martin said.
“I’m not going to give up,” Fore added.
WKYT reached out to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for clarification on why Medicaid benefits for these children were rescinded, but there has been no response yet.
