Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About these FAQs

AccessKC reserves the right to make final determinations regarding eligibility, services, and funding.

Guidelines, examples, and lists of covered or excluded items are intended for general guidance and should not be considered exhaustive.

Exceptions or additional limitations may apply at the program’s discretion.

General FAQs

Dental Service Guidelines

Appointments: Clients must attend all scheduled appointments. If unable to attend, the client must contact the dental provider to cancel or reschedule.

Additional Procedures: If more dental procedures that AccessKC covers are needed, the provider will send a treatment plan to AccessKC. AccessKC will review the client’s eligibility and the procedures needed, and issue an additional voucher to dental provider.

Follow-Up Care: Once approved, the dental provider will contact the client to schedule follow-up appointments.

Permanent Dentures/Partials: The client must require dentures or partials due to extractions performed by a dental provider within the last 90 days. Supporting documentation or records from the dental office must be provided.

Clients who previously received dentures are not eligible for replacement dentures. However, if a client previously received only an upper or only a lower denture, they may request the other arch.

The denture/partial process can take 6–12 months. The client must commit to the full process.

Services Not Covered: AccessKC does not cover annual exams, routine cleanings, Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), prophylaxis, crowns/crown repairs, braces, root canals, wisdom tooth extraction, veneers, sealants, teeth whitening, immediate/same-day/temporary dentures, sedation, or specialist referrals.

Dental FAQs

  • AccessKC does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing eyeglasses, hearing aids, permanent dentures or partials, or any other durable medical equipment. For repairs, clients should contact the original vendor directly. All costs related to repair or replacement are the client’s responsibility.

  • AccessKC does not cover the following services:

    • Annual exams

    • Routine cleanings or prophylaxis

    • Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)

    • Crowns/crown repairs

    • Braces or orthodontics

    • Root canals

    • Wisdom tooth extraction

    • Veneers

    • Sealants (except for under 18 years old)

    • Teeth whitening

    • Immediate/same-day/temporary dentures

    • Dental implants

    • Sedation services

    • Specialist referrals

    • Your most recent tooth extraction must have occurred within the last 90 days, and

    • You previously received dentures or partials and are now seeking a replacement. or

    • Any future extractions must be scheduled with an AccessKC partner dental provider, and

    • You previously received dentures or partials and are now seeking a replacement.

    The process for permanent dentures or partials typically takes 6–12 months. Clients must commit to completing the full treatment process.

  • If your dentist determines that you need additional dental services that AccessKC covers, the dental provider will submit a treatment plan to AccessKC. AccessKC will review your eligibility and, if approved, issue an additional voucher directly to the dental provider.

  • No. AccessKC covers permanent dentures and partials.

    AccessKC do not cover same-day dentures, also known as immediate or temporary dentures.

  • No. Vouchers are issued only to AccessKC partner providers.

Durable Medical (DME) FAQs

  • AccessKC can assist with:

    • Mobility equipment (e.g., canes, walkers, manual wheelchairs)

    • Toileting and shower equipment

    • Lift chairs

    • Diabetic shoes

    • Compression garments

    • Ostomy supplies

    This list is not exhaustive.

  • Yes. A medical order or note from the client’s medical provider is required. No exceptions.

  • Yes. Some equipment can be delivered directly to your home.

  • AccessKC does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing eyeglasses, hearing aids, permanent dentures or partials, or any other durable medical equipment. For repairs, clients should contact the original vendor directly. All costs related to repair or replacement are the client’s responsibility.

  • No. AccessKC covers only manual scooters and wheelchairs. AccessKC also does not cover batteries for motorized scooters or wheelchairs.

  • No. AccessKC does not cover CPAP/BiPAP machines or related supplies.

  • No. AccessKC does not cover oxygen therapy or any related equipment or supplies, including oxygen tanks, concentrators, tubing, or accessories.

Hearing Aid FAQs

  • For individuals who qualify for AccessKC, the program will cover the cost of a hearing test from an audiologist as part of our hearing aid service. The provider will determine if hearing aids are needed.

  • Eligible clients can receive two hearing aids in their lifetime through the program.

  • No. AccessKC does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing eyeglasses, hearing aids, permanent dentures or partials, or any other durable medical equipment. For repairs, clients should contact the original vendor directly. All costs related to repair or replacement are the client’s responsibility.

  • Most people need two hearing aids. Ultimately, the provider will decide if the client needs one or two devices.

  • Apply at www.AccessKC.org/apply

    • You must have a valid email address.

    • Have all required documents ready to upload before you start the application.

  • You may apply for one service at a time.

    If funding is available, eligible applicants may reapply every 6 months. Applicants are eligible for optical services once every 24 months.

  • No. AccessKC covers 100% of the cost for all eligible applicants and approved services.

  • No. AccessKC issues vouchers only to our partner providers. Providers are selected based on a client’s location and providers’ availability.

    Yes. Bring your voucher and photo ID to your appointment or to pick up your prescription/DME item for verification.

  • A valid email address is required. Vouchers are sent to the email address used in your online application.

  • Vouchers expire 14 days after the issue date. A one-time extension may be granted if your provider reschedules or if you provide a valid reason within 30 days of the voucher’s expiration date.

  • A one-time extension may be granted if your provider reschedules or if you provide a valid reason within 30 days after the voucher expires.

  • AccessKC does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing eyeglasses, hearing aids, permanent dentures or partials, or any other durable medical equipment. For repairs, clients should contact the original vendor directly. All costs related to repair or replacement are the client’s responsibility.

  • AccessKC helps individuals who are uninsured and underinsured, including those on Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.

  • AccessKC is not insurance, does not take the place of insurance, and is not affiliated with any insurance company or plan.

    AccessKC is a nonprofit program operated by AcruxKC, a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in the state of Missouri.

  • AccessKC serves people of any age, background, or life circumstance who meet program eligibility guidelines.

  • Registering as a client allows us to set you up in our secure system and check your eligibility.

  • No. AccessKC does not accept unopened medication donations. The program partners with pharmacies and other providers and does not distribute medications or supplies of any kind.

  • No. AccessKC does not accept unopened medication donations. The program partners with pharmacies and other providers and does not distribute medications or supplies of any kind.

  • AccessKC may grant a one-time vendor change or a voucher extension if the provider reschedules the appointment or if a valid reason is provided within 30 days after the voucher expiration date.

  • No. AccessKC helps people with low incomes access essential health services, including emergency dental care, dentures, hearing aids, prescriptions, eye exams and glasses, and durable medical equipment and supplies.

Optical FAQs

  • Yes. All AccessKC vendors accept current vision prescriptions from other eye care professionals and provide AccessKC clients with a pair of glasses.

  • AccessKC does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing eyeglasses, hearing aids, permanent dentures or partials, or any other durable medical equipment. For repairs, clients should contact the original vendor directly. All costs related to repair or replacement are the client’s responsibility.

  • Eligible clients can get an eye exam and glasses through AccessKC one time every 24 months.

  • No. AccessKC does not cover the cost of contact lenses or contact lens exams.

  • AccessKC covers:

    • Complete eye exam (no dilation)

    • Basic frames

    • Single vision lenses or lined bifocals or lined trifocals

    All lens upgrades must be deemed medically necessary by AccessKC’s optical provider. AccessKC does not cover brand name frames under any circumstances.

  • No. AccessKC covers the cost of an eye exam and one pair of glasses every 24 months.

  • No. Vouchers are issued only to AccessKC partner providers.

Prescription FAQs

  • AccessKC covers up to a 90-day supply of most types of medications for acute and chronic health conditions.

    AccessKC does not cover:

    • Controlled substances (narcotics, meds for ADD/ADHD, or meds for seizure disorders).

    • Contraceptive meds/devices

    • Meds for cosmetic purposes

    • Anti-Obesity agents

    • Smoking cessation agents.

    • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

    • Homeopathic and herbal preparations

    • Compounded or customized medications/preparations

    This list is not exhaustive.

  • No. AccessKC issues vouchers only to our partner providers. Providers are selected based on a client’s location and providers’ availability.

  • Bring your voucher and photo ID to your appointment or to pick up your prescription/DME item for verification.