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Kansas MCOs report mostly adequate networks; value‑added benefits target rural access and social needs
Summary
Representatives from Sunflower Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare and Healthy Blue described network coverage, identified geographic gaps (mostly rural pediatric specialties and dental deserts) and outlined 2025 value‑added benefits including transportation, grocery delivery, digital tools and supports for seniors and pregnant people.
Executives from Sunflower Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare and Healthy Blue summarized network size, gaps and 2025 value‑added benefits during the Bethell committee hearing.
Sunflower Health Plan said its network includes thousands of practitioners statewide and flagged rural gaps in some specialties; it described new value‑added benefits for 2025 including mobile vision clinics for rural members, enhanced transportation (up to 12 round trips per year for social‑determinant activities), digital mental health tools, and a $50 credit for youth program participation. Sunflower said it serves about 147,000 members and listed approximately 10,500 dual‑eligible members.
UnitedHealthcare reported enrollment of about 150,600 members with approximately 15,000 D‑SNP dual‑eligible members. UHC described a statewide primary‑care network with access in all counties and outlined value‑added benefits prioritized for waiver and senior populations: internet access for telehealth, pest control for homeowners, over‑the‑counter rewards, grocery‑delivery membership for members with mobility limitations, home‑delivered meals and respite supports.
Healthy Blue described its Kansas alliance approach, noted it met network adequacy ahead of go‑live and listed value‑added benefits that emphasize independence and workforce participation: identification‑support services (help obtaining IDs/drivers’ licenses), dental desensitization kits for IDD members, and supports for pregnant and new mothers (Start Smart, incentives for prenatal care and baby‑safety items). Healthy Blue said one notable uptake has been assistance obtaining identification documents, which the MCO said helped members access transportation, employment and other services.
All three MCOs said rural “provider deserts”—counties with no providers for certain specialties such as pediatric subspecialties or dental—require recruitment, telehealth, transportation supports and creative contracting (single case agreements or clinic days) to ensure access; MCOs said they coordinate with KDHE when exceptions are required and reported using multiple strategies to expand service access.
