Important: Renew Your Medicaid Coverage in March

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Due to COVID-19, KanCare renewals were paused but they are coming back. Renewals are starting again this year and notices will go out from March 2023 to March 2024. Please read the important instructions below to ensure you keep your coverage.

If you receive a letter from Medicaid, please respond immediately as you will have a narrow window to reply. You must reply or you will be removed from the Medicaid program. 

Steps to keeping your coverage:

1. Update your address

  •  Call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884. You can also call your MCO (number on the back of your KanCare card).
  • You can also updated your address online. Scan this code and use the KIERA chatbot to update your address.

2. Open your mail

  • Read any letters you get from KanCare.

3. Take action

  • Review and complete the renewal form if you receive it.

KanCare Flyer – English

KanCare Flyer – Spanish

 

How to help your members avoid a lapse in Medicaid coverage

Please remind the families and individuals you serve:

  • To make sure their address is updated with KanCare so they can receive their renewal notice; and,
  • To act quickly if they receive a renewal form to complete

How can a member update their address:

  • Calling the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884; or,
  • Calling the MCO Member Services (number on the back of their KanCare card). UnitedHealthcare Member Services number is: 877-542-9238; or,
  • Using the chatbot that can be found on the bottom right corner of the kancare.ks.gov website. It looks like this:

How to know when to renew:

  • A member will know they need to renew when and if they receive a renewal form in the mail. Members with a linked online account can also see if they are due to renew under Access my Benefits.
  • Members can also call their MCO Member Services (number on the back of their KanCare card) to ask when is their renewal date.

If the member no longer qualifies for Medicaid:

  • Visit healthcare.gov to learn more about coverage options available.

How can a member renew:

By mail

  • Members will have to review, complete, and sign the renewal form received from the state. It is a good idea to make a copy for their records, then mail it back in the self-addressed envelope.
  • The form can also be faxed to: 1-844-264-6285

Online

  • Visit applyforkancare.ks.gov
  • The member can log in to their account or create one, then make sure the account is linked to their case number. If not linked to a case number, send a request through the online portal to have their case linked to the account. The case number can be found on the notice received from KanCare. The member can also call the KanCare Clearinghouse to request the case number. UnitedHealthcare members can also call Member Services at 1-877-542-9238.
  • If their case is ready to be renewed, they will see a link to Renew my Benefits under Access my Benefits.

If unable to renew by mail or online, call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800=792-4884 to discuss other available options to submit the renewal form.

KanCare Flyer 

Kearny County Hospital Receives High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier Recognition

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Lakin, KS – Kearny County Hospital has continued its commitment to improving infant and maternal health by earning recognition through High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.

High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birth facilities implement ten evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.

To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and to follow all ten of the evidence-based practices:

  1. Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
  2. Facility will maintain staff competency in lactation support
  3. All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding
  4. Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
  5. All families will receive individualized infant feeding counseling
  6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
  7. Practice “rooming in” – allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
  8. Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
  9. Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
  10. Provide mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community (such as a telephone number, walk-in clinic information, support groups, etc.) upon discharge

“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices demonstrates Kearny County Hospital’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 60% of mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Some factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include: hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support – which is why High 5 for Mom & Baby facilities are committed to helping women breastfeed successfully, through staff trained in breastfeeding best practices and policies to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.

Along with the recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier facility, Kearny County Hospital also receives ongoing education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.

“Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for our efforts to support successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. As a facility committed to providing the very highest quality of care, we have found the High 5 practices and resources to not only improve health outcomes but also increase patient satisfaction,” said Becky Chappel, RN, Perinatal Supervisor at Kearny County Hospital’s Special Blessings Family Birth Center.

For more information on High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, contact Cara Gerhardt, Program Coordinator: coordinator@high5kansas.org, or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/.

Family Health Clinic hosting Flu Vaccine & COVID-19 Booster Clinic

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Kearny County Hospital’s Family Health Center is offering a Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Clinic on select days between October 13 – November 4, 2022. The vaccinations will be offered in the West Clinic during designated times listed below. No appointment is necessary. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the Family Health Center at 620-355-7550.

  • Thursday, 10/13/22 from Noon – 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 10/14/22 from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 10/18/22 from Noon – 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10/19/22 from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, 10/27/22 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 10/28/22 from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 11/1/22 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 11/2/22 from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 11/4/22 from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Booster Community Clinic Flyer

*Vaccines and boosters will be billed to each patient’s insurance.

Kearny County Hospital Welcomes Hannah Schauf as New Certified Physician Assistant

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Hannah Schauf, PA-C

We are excited to announce the arrival of Hannah Schauf, PA-C as a certified Physician Assistant who will be providing care in the Emergency Room and Acute Clinic.

“Hannah is a tremendous addition to our team. Born and raised right here in Kansas, she brings a unique perspective on rural healthcare with lived experience facing the challenges and appreciating the charms of small-town communities,” said Emily Dilley, CEO of Kearny County Hospital. “She will be an excellent resource and a strong advocate for our hospital, health clinic and assisted living/long-term care patients and their families.”

Most recently awarded her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Schauf also earned her BA in Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology close to home at Kansas State University. Schauf’s medical interests include primary care, OB-GYN, mental health, and emergency medicine. She holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS).

Schauf strongly believes in advocating for patients and is committed to decreasing the healthcare barriers that exist for many rural patients. For example, concerned about language barriers in Hispanic and Latino communities, Schauf completed a Spanish healthcare immersion program in Peru after graduation.

Having grown up in Colwich, Kansas, Schauf brings a solid understanding of rural health issues and enjoys the full spectrum of care that rural medicine offers.

“I was raised in rural Kansas, and small-town life comes natural to me,” Schauf said. “So being a part of a health system that models leading-edge strategies for the future of rural health is exactly where I want to be – contributing professionally and personally in every way that I can to Kearny County Hospital and the surrounding communities.”

Aside from her medical career, Hannah enjoys the outdoors, skiing, traveling, cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends, and growing in her faith.

For more information, please call 620-355-7111.

Ginger’s Hope and Wichita Diabetes & Endocrinology Diabetes Education Class

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Attend this ADCES accredited class for a $25 donation to Ginger’s Hope

March 30, 2022 12 – 4:oo PM
March 31, 2022 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Located in the training room of the Grant County Fire Department in Ulysses, KS. Lunch or snacks will be provided.

To register, call 620-575-5779

Download the flyer for more information.

Childbirth Education Classes

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Join us for Childbirth Education Classes at Kearny County Hospital. We hope to see you there!

Childbirth Education Class Schedule 2022 – 2023

Class Location – Hospital Classroom A

  • Tuesday, January 17th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
    & Thursday, January 19th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Tuesday, March 14th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
    & Thursday, March 16th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Tuesday, May 16th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
    & Thursday, May 18th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Tuesday, August 15th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
    & Thursday, August 17th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Tuesday, October 17th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
    & Thursday, October 19th from 5:30pm –8:30pm
  • Tuesday, December 5th from 5:30pm -8:30pm
    & Thursday, December 7th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Visit our Family Birth Center page to register for these classes.

Topics include:

  • Family Birth Center process
  • Variations in labor and birth
  • Pain relief options
  • Post-partum care
  • Tour of the Special Blessings Family Birth Center
  • Breastfeeding
  • Baby care basics
  • Safe sleep
  • Why babies cry
  • Car seat safety

The Healthy Path Forward: Getting Vaccinated (and not just against COVID)

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Letter to the Community from Dr. Julie Munson

Growing up in Lakin in the 1980s, my father, Dr. Eric Oppliger, was one of only two family doctors in our community. Among his many responsibilities was providing vaccines.

Some community members probably recall getting the polio vaccine as a drop of liquid on a sugar cube. Was your drop red, orange, pink or yellow? Back then, people still had memories of polio. By 1979, polio was eradicated by the vaccine. Then as now, vaccines protect what is precious to us – each other.

As a community physician myself, I strongly believe that vaccines are our strongest defense against serious contagions. People in Kearny County have always understood this, and our vaccination rates typically run higher than average. Protecting each other and looking out for one another is something Kearny County has always been good at doing.

In the spirit of looking out for the health of our community, Kearny County Hospital’s Family Health Center in Lakin accepts walk-ins for flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00-11:00 a.m. Appointments are not required, but those who prefer one can call 620-355-7550. We do ask that you call ahead prior to coming in for a vaccine so we can ensure we have enough for everyone! Helpful information about vaccines for all ages and times of year is also available at kearnycountyhospital.com/vaccine-central.

When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, we are making a difference and seeing improvement, but infection rates are still going up in our county – and unfortunately, we still have hospitalizations and deaths from COVID. It’s not over, and together, we can and will keep fighting. 

I was born here, grew up here, and came back to raise my family here. I love this community, and as the hospital’s only full-time otolaryngology specialist and surgeon, I am dedicated to the health of our community and the mission of Kearny County Hospital: to provide quality, compassionate healthcare services for our community and enrich the lives of our families, friends and neighbors.

For added protection in these winter months, I urge everyone to get up to date on all vaccines, keep each other safe, and enjoy a happy, healthy 2022.

Julie Munson, DO FAOCO, Otolaryngology

Kearny County Hospital

Healthy for the Holidays: Vaccines for Added Protection in Winter Months

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‘Tis the time of year to spread holiday cheer – not germs. The holidays are prime time for the spread of infectious diseases like colds, flu, pneumonia and viruses, including COVID-19. Cold weather months keep us inside more, which leads to higher spread of all things transmissible.

It’s cold outside, but think of those damp, warm interiors – with the smells of roasting turkeys and pumpkin pies – as the perfect breeding ground for germs to spread. People gather closely, touching each other, the food, and practically every surface. Hugging and laughter all abound – with coughs and sneezes in equal abundance.

So how do you keep your loved ones healthy for the holidays without skipping special events or gathering virtually? Make sure you – and the ones you love – get those important winter vaccines. We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so we came up with a plan to make it easy for you:

Our Family Health Center Clinic in Lakin, KS offers convenient walk-ins for flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 am – no appointment needed!

To make an appointment, visit our online Vaccine Hub and complete the form or call 620-355-7550 to get it scheduled. There, you will also find helpful information about vaccines, including frequently asked questions, immunization schedules, and more – for all ages and all times of year.

Many cherished holidays take place during this special time of year. Whatever holiday fun you have planned – or any time of year you need a vaccine and/or booster – Kearny County Hospital’s team of trusted experts is here to take care of you and your whole family.

From our team at Kearny County Hospital, Happy Holidays and all the best for your healthiest New Year ever.

Fall Vaccinations

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Fall back time is fall vax time. Move your clocks back and your health forward.

On Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 am, we all will set our clocks back – or “fall back” an hour. Often thought of as gaining an additional hour, setting your clocks back is just one more great thing about fall.

Another hallmark of fall is cold, flu and pneumonia season. Cold weather months keep us inside more, which leads to higher spread of these types of illnesses, including COVID-19. So, when we say, “fall back time is fall vax time,” we mean that setting your clocks back each year is a great way to remind yourself to stay up to date on vaccines for yourself and your family, including vaccines that require booster shots like tetanus and diphtheria immunizations.

There’s no need to tie a string on your finger to remember. Every year, when you turn the clocks back, just remember to get your vaccines. Remember this, too: Whatever time of year you need a vaccine and/or booster, Kearny County Hospital’s team of trusted experts is here to take care of you.

Ready to get your family vaccinated?

Our Family Health Center in Lakin, KS, offers convenient walk-ins for flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 am. You can also schedule an appointment for any of those days. Visit our online Vaccine Hub to complete the form or call 620-355-7550 to get it scheduled or learn more. There, you will also find helpful information about vaccines, including frequently asked questions, immunization schedules, and more – for all ages and all times of year.

Move your health forward this year when you set your clocks back – or anytime of year. As always, our team is here for you, your family and all your health needs.

Letter to the Community from New CEO, Emily Dilley

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Emily Dilley, Chief Executive Officer of Kearny County Hospital

A message from our new Chief Executive Officer to our valued patients, team and community:

Hello! I’m Emily Dilley, and I am thrilled to join the Kearny County Hospital family as your new CEO.

I am new to the Lakin community. There were many factors that drew me here, perhaps most of all the community and organization’s strongly rooted values and forward-thinking culture. I saw a team of innovators here who are building a vision for Kearny County Hospital – striving for excellence, finding creative ways to do more, and confident that a model for excellence in rural health exists right here in Kearny County.

The richness and diversity of the community was also part of the draw for me. Diverse perspectives drive innovative thinking. Different experiences, beliefs and perceptions, when brought together, make for the perfect brainstorm of unique ideas and solutions. That is what I experienced when I came here, and I am so happy to now be a part of it.

I saw who you are as a community and what you are poised to become. I saw kindness. I witnessed honesty. I marveled at how genuinely people care about their neighbors and each other. I was touched at how you reached out to make my family feel so welcome. My husband Shawn was equally impressed, and we knew that Kearny County would be a wonderful place to raise our seven-year-old daughter Telynn, and our son Beckett, who is three.

A hospital is so much more than a building and the beds inside. A hospital’s greatness is measured by the caliber of its people.

Great hospitals like this one deserve a committed, engaged, and caring team at all levels of the organization. Leadership, at its core, is based in relationships, an engaged and empowered culture, and good intentions – where we focus on solutions that are best for our patients, team, and community as a whole. It is how we can, not how we can’t.

Keeping the patient at the center of everything we do, every decision we make – that is what makes a hospital thrive. We come together to develop realistic, innovative, fiscally responsible initiatives that meet the needs of our patients, team, and community.

Collectively, with the entire KCH family, we will continue to build on decades of hard work and progress. My model of leadership begins and ends with caring – caring not only for but about each other and having open, honest, and transparent communication with one another. I’ve always said that in rural healthcare, it’s easier to keep people at the center of everything you do because you know them, you have a relationship with them. And it will be my privilege to come to know all of you.

As the new CEO, I will continue building on our strong foundation of caring, excellence, high quality care, and innovation. Great things have been happening at KCH for over 70 years now. Here’s to more great things to come! Thank you for allowing my family to be part of it.

Sincerely,

Emily Dilley, MBA, HSL

Chief Executive Officer

Kearny County Hospital

Click here to read the press release announcing Emily Dilley as Kearny County Hospital CEO

Click here to learn more about Emily

Get to know Emily: