Kansas will help cover health care costs for essential workers who contract COVID-19

Aug. 27--TOPEKA -- Workers deemed essential in Kansas, from first responders to food service employees, can apply to have their COVID-19 health care expenses covered by state funds from the federal CARES Act, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday.

The Essential Worker Health Care Fund, marketed as the "Hero Relief Program," will cover health care expenses for essential workers who contracted COVID-19. An employee must have a confirmed positive test for the disease and proof of employment to verify their status as an essential worker to be considered for the program.

The state will recognize essential workers in industries such as:

-- Health care and emergency services

-- First responder

-- LTSS -- Long-term services and supports

-- Agriculture and food production

-- Food service

-- Transportation and logistics services

-- Building, construction and trades

-- Manufacturing and chemicals

-- Energy, water and utilities

-- Custodial and waste services

-- Election

-- Government worker (federal, state, local/city)

-- Education

-- Military

-- Licensed child care

-- Frontline behavioral health and social services

-- Home visiting (local programs serving families with children birth to 5 years)

The health care fund is a collaboration among multiple state agencies, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as the lead entity. The Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund are also involved.

The state agencies created the fund with $8 million in federal dollars Kansas received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

Workers can access applications and more program information at http://ksherorelief.com. The Special Health Care Needs program within the KDHE will oversee the funds and process applications.

The application will include a release of information to verify a worker's health status and allow for shared information related to a person's COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.

"The dedication and selflessness displayed by Kansas essential workers has been critical to our recovery efforts across the state in cities big and small and rural communities," Kelly said in a statement. "They risk their health each and every day to help others and these funds make it possible for the state of Kansas to help cover expenses in the unfortunate cases when they contract COVID-19."

Health care cost assistance will be limited to a qualifying medical expense payout of $25,000 for people who are uninsured and $15,000 for those with insurance, which includes copays and deductibles.

"In these challenging and uncertain times, the thing we all hold fastest to is our health," Kelly said. "It's time to show our gratitude and compassion to the workers and the families who need it most right now and who show their compassion for all of us every day."

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