SENT is dedicated to ensuring that every individual and family in Southeast Topeka has access to affordable healthcare. Our mission is to provide tailored solutions for all community members, meeting them where they are, whether they are eligible for Medicaid, fall within the 100%-400% Federal Poverty Guidelines, or require alternative low-cost options.
Southeast Topeka is located in a region with the highest rates of uninsured individuals in Kansas, particularly among children. According to recent reports, this area faces significant healthcare coverage gaps, with many families unable to access or afford the care they need. Nationwide, approximately 27 million Americans are uninsured[U.S. Census 2021], and 41% of adults refrain from seeking healthcare due to cost [Commonwealth Fund 2019]. These disparities are even more pronounced in Southeast Topeka, where a large percentage of families are also struggling with high-deductible health plans[NIH 2019] or lack a primary care provider altogether [National Asso. Community Health Centers 2023]. This unmet need for healthcare access and coverage drives SENT’s commitment to offering comprehensive, affordable healthcare options, ensuring that no one is left behind in our community.
In Kansas, nearly 240,000 individuals were uninsured in 2023, including over 38,000 children. Despite efforts to expand healthcare access, Kansas remains one of only 10 states that have not implemented Medicaid expansion, leaving thousands of low-income adults without coverage. As of December 2023, nearly two-thirds of uninsured Kansans had household incomes that could have qualified them for subsidies to purchase health insurance through the Kansas marketplace, yet many remain without coverage. In total, 58,448 uninsured Kansas adults would have been eligible for Medicaid if the state had expanded its program, with an additional 28,472 likely already eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but not enrolled. With ongoing policy shifts and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, these gaps in coverage will continue to affect Kansas residents until effective solutions are put in place.
But, our community has needs now so SENT is taking the following approach.
- Medicaid Access and Support For community members who qualify for Medicaid, SENT’s Neighbor Advocate team is here to guide them through the process of determining eligibility and completing enrollment. Our team is committed to removing barriers and ensuring that individuals access the healthcare benefits they deserve.
- Affordable Care Act and Tax Credits For those who do not qualify for Medicaid but fall within 100%-400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, SENT assists with navigating the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Our Neighbor Advocate team helps individuals access tax credits, making healthcare coverage more affordable by reducing premium costs. This ensures that families in our community can secure the coverage they need without financial strain.
- Aimee Health: A Low-Cost Healthcare Option SENT has partnered with the Stand Together Foundation to offer Aimee Health(seeaimee.com), an innovative telehealth service. Through Aimee Health, individuals can access virtual urgent care($9.99/visit) and primary care($29.99/visit) services at affordable rates. Community members can also access low-cost prescriptions, lab tests, and even medical weight loss services($299/month), including coaching and medication. Aimee Health provides some of the most affordable healthcare options available, with a membership fee of just $5 per month, making it an invaluable resource for those with limited access to traditional healthcare services.
- The Southside Wellness Clinic To address the unique healthcare challenges faced by our community, SENT is launching the Southside Wellness Clinic. This new facility will provide comprehensive express care services, including walk-in services for routine lab tests, flu vaccines, STD and TB testing, and nebulizer treatments. The clinic will also offer scheduled appointments for physicals, well-woman exams, birth control prescriptions, and telemedicine consultations. Additionally, the clinic will provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) as part of its substance use disorder treatment services.
- Expanding Access to Care In response to the healthcare provider shortages in Southeast Topeka, designated as a Healthcare Professional Shortage Area and Medically Underserved Area, SENT is committed to hiring a Community Health Advocate to assist individuals in navigating their healthcare options and accessing the resources available to them. Through this comprehensive approach, SENT ensures that no one is left behind, regardless of their financial situation.
By leveraging Medicaid, the ACA, Aimee Health, and the Southside Wellness Clinic, SENT is creating a holistic healthcare ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of the community. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient Southeast Topeka.