LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky House and Senate Democratic Caucuses are launching a four-city "Medicaid Reality Check" listening tour to gather input from residents ahead of significant federal changes to the health insurance program.

The tour will make stops in Lexington on September 10 at Consolidated Baptist Church, along with events in Prestonsburg, Morehead, and Louisville through early October. Kentucky's federal Medicaid partner has posted details on upcoming changes that have prompted the outreach effort.

"Medicaid helps a child see a doctor, pays for a senior's nursing home care and allows people with disabilities to live at home and take part in their communities," said House Democratic Caucus Chair Lindsey Burke of Lexington in a statement. "With new requirements, more paperwork and other changes ahead, people are understandably worried about what happens to their coverage and care."

The new federal requirements include community engagement obligations beginning January 1, 2027, that will require certain adults ages 19 to 64 to demonstrate 80 hours per month of work, education, or community service to maintain Medicaid eligibility. Additional changes beginning October 1, 2026, will narrow eligibility for immigrants and noncitizens. The changes also include more frequent eligibility reviews every six months instead of annually.

According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, an estimated 210,000 Kentuckians could lose Medicaid coverage due to the federal changes, with rural Kentucky facing particularly severe impacts. Emily Beauregard, executive director of Kentucky Voices for Health, said the biggest concern is that eligible Kentuckians will lose coverage because of increased paperwork requirements.

Each listening session will begin with an overview from a health policy expert about Medicaid and the changes ahead. The events will focus on hearing directly from residents about how Medicaid affects their lives. Attendees who don't have time to speak during the program can submit their stories in writing. All events are free and open to the public.