For many Kentuckians, the cost of health care is a barrier to living a full and healthy life. TAI’s new survey reveals just how deeply these challenges are felt across the state. From having to avoid necessary medical care to the challenges of affording insurance, the findings paint an alarming picture of a system that leaves too many people behind.



Nearly nine out of ten uninsured Kentuckians reported skipping necessary medical care or medications because they simply couldn’t afford it. However, even those with insurance struggle; more than half of the insured respondents reported having to delay care or medications due to cost. Where you live also matters, with rural residents more likely to be adversely affected than those who live in urban areas.

Losing coverage can happen for reasons as common as switching jobs, moving to another state, or experiencing a change in income. These gaps leave people vulnerable, forcing them to make difficult choices about when, or if, they can afford medical care. With so many Kentuckians surveyed delaying or skipping care due to cost, it’s clear the system isn’t working.

The survey also confirmed widespread frustration with the complexity of health insurance. Large numbers of Kentuckians told us they struggle to understand their coverage, determine costs before receiving care, or select the right plan. These findings reflect a system that is working against patients rather than for them.

Notably, we saw a growing demand for change. TAI found that support for a national health care coverage program rose to 73%, up from 67% just two years ago. Across party lines, Kentuckians agree that health care should be a basic right.

Meanwhile, at TAI, we are committed to helping people navigate their coverage while advocating for a system that truly works for everyone.

Kentucky’s legislature voted to override Governor Beshear’s veto of House Bill 695, mandating work requirements for many Medicaid recipients. This will not encourage Medicaid recipients to work. Most who can work already do. 92% of non-disabled, non-dual eligible adults on Medicaid work full or part-time, but they work at jobs that do not provide health care coverage.

Work requirements will cause people to lose coverage because of bureaucratic red tape, an inability to meet the requirements because of a lack of employment opportunities, or a host of other reasons. At the end of the day, the most impactful result will be worse health for our fellow Kentuckians. Making people sicker is the opposite of common sense.

At The Asclepius Initiative, we believe health care coverage should be stable and accessible for everyone, not a privilege tied to uncontrollable or unpredictable life circumstances. Policymakers should be making health care easier to access, not more difficult, particularly since our survey shows that the vast majority of Kentuckians believe everyone deserves care.

We’re excited to announce that TAI is participating in KY Gives Day on May 13th! This statewide day of giving is a chance to come together in support of the causes that matter most to our communities.

TAI is working to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable health care from birth until death. Your support helps us educate Kentuckians, share vital information about health care coverage, and build a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Mark your calendar and get ready to give. On May 13th, you’ll be able to support TAI through our KY Gives Day profile. The giving period ends at 11:59 PM, so don’t wait!



Thank you for standing with us and believing in a healthier future for all Kentuckians.

Follow The Asclepius Initiative on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and BlueSky to remain informed about the latest in health care coverage education and reform. We share tips to help you navigate your health care coverage, updates on our work, and opportunities to get involved in creating a healthier, more equitable future for Kentuckians. Don’t miss out – connect with us today!

The Asclepius Initiative is part of Kroger’s Community Rewards program. Select TAI as the charity of choice and a portion of your receipt will be donated to TAI each time your Kroger Plus Card is used. Signing up is quick and only has to be done once.

1. Go to KrogerCommunityRewards.com

2. Sign into using current login information or the number on the back of the card

3. Select TAI as the organization: search for us by name or by using our code, DG163

Help us continue to provide you with relevant and up-to-date health care coverage information.