Event Recap — Exploring Medicaid Benefits: How KanCare Addresses Health-Related Social Needs

On March 11, KHI held the first session in the 2025 series focused on understanding how KanCare, Kansas’ Medicaid program, integrates strategies to address health-related social needs. Participants learned about the program’s initiatives, policies and partnerships aimed at improving outcomes by addressing factors that influence health such as housing, food insecurity, transportation and access to community resources. By highlighting current efforts and areas for innovation, the series provides insights into how KanCare approaches addressing health-related social needs for Medicaid recipients. 

Event recording will be posted soon. 

Event Highlights 

• KanCare Overview – Participants gained insights from KHI experts on how KanCare supports Medicaid recipients in addressing health-related social needs. 
• KanCare Conversations – Managed care organizations shared their approaches and benefits that address social needs. 
• Community Perspective – Leaders in the community health worker space shared their experiences navigating needs in their communities. 

Speakers 

Managed Care Organizations 

• Lucia Jones Herrera, R.N., M.S.N., Associate Director for SDOH and Maternal Program, United Healthcare Community Plan of Kansas 
• Stephanie Jerguson, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.M., Maternal and Child Health Program Coordinator, United Healthcare Community Plan of Kansas 
• Thamara Subramanian, M.P.H., Health Equity Director, Healthy Blue Kansas 

Community Perspectives 

• Angela Scott, CHW Field Supervisor, Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE), University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health 

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