News and events

Be Healthy Program

Through the SKY Program, members are eligible for Aetna’s Be Healthy Child and Family Nutrition Classes. Classes are offered on a regular basis. Members can register for any of the classes on the ABHKY Events Page and can decide to cancel their registration at any time.  

Currently, the Be Healthy Program is offering the two classes below: 

Health Runs DEEP!

Health Runs Deep is a series of classes that will help you learn ways to improve and manage your family’s health.  This program has been developed for foster, adoptive, and fictive kin families and focuses on the specific nutritional, physical activity, and wellness needs of system involved youth.

Trauma informed tips, improving power struggles, goal setting, healthy meal planning, and physical activity plans are a few of the great things we will learn about.  You will also be eligible for some great rewards. 

This program meets 4 times. Your family will receive a check-in call to help and cheer for you along the way. 

• Session 0– What to expect during meetings and calls, ground rules, parenting tips on power struggles, trauma informed care tips, and questions.
• Session 1- What is Diabetes and Prediabetes, Know Your Why, Toolbox, Goal Setting, Action Planning.
• Session 2 – How to eat a healthy meal, reading food labels, making healthy plates, food tracking
• Session 3- How to get more physically active, biometrics, “Let’s Move” activity, Aetna Better Health of KY Benefits Overview.
• Session 4- Slow Cooker Nutrition Class, review of nutrition, benefits of a slow cooker, fact and tips on how to use slow cooker. Wrap-Up  

SKY Child and Adolescent Nutrition and Wellness Training

• 1 Hour
• Offered monthly or upon request
• DCBS Foster Parent Credits available upon completion.
• This training has been developed for foster, adoptive, and fictive kin families and focuses on the specific nutritional, physical activity, and wellness needs of system involved youth.

Topics include parenting tips, understanding BMI, risks associated with overweight and obesity diagnoses, food issues common in foster care, healthy meal planning, low cost healthy meal ideas, food tracking, exercise ideas, and “Five-Two-One-Almost None” model.

Family Planning Training Series for Pregnant, Parenting and Transition Age Youth

Newly pregnant or caring for a pregnant teen in your home? Becoming a first-time father? Transitioning into adulthood?

Aetna Better Health of Kentucky offers training and education that can help.

Our offering of training and education programs include:

• Caring for a Pregnant Teen
• Nutrition and Wellness
• Catch My Breath
• Sexual Health & Body Safety
• One Love: Healthy Relationships
• Parenting Education

November 12, 2024

Caring for a Child with Food Allergies

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Parenting a Child with Food Allergies is designed to provide evidence-based, practical information for those caring for children with serious food allergies.

To join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at mgdean@aetna.com.

November 12, 2024

Child and Family Advisory Partnership Forum

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

CFAP is a monthly forum that connects foster, adoptive, kinship, bio and group home/residential caregivers to what is happening in the healthcare system.

It also provides:

• education and training opportunities
• a forum to give input and feedback into what is going well
• chance to suggest how to improve the current child serving systems

How to join this event:

Register using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at mgdean@aetna.com. 

November 13, 2024

CORE Teen Training Series

Module 7: A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  

Session 7 will describe two ways that parents can support youth's important connections and a sense of connectedness. It will demonstrate the impact of secondary trauma on parenting as well as identify the important elements to developing a self care plan. 

Foster parent training credit will be provided upon completion of the course.

How to join this event:

Register using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Andrea Polk at PolkA@aetna.com.  

November 13, 2024

Getting on Track: Couponing

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Topics include: 

• Benefits of couponing 
• Types of coupons 
• How to read coupons
• How to use coupons 
• How to organize coupons 
• Tips on when to coupon 
• Expired coupons 
• Other money saving tricks

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Candace Gurley at GurleyC@aetna.com.

November 14, 2024

SKY Child & Adolescent Nutrition and Wellness

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

SKY Child & Adolescent Nutrition and Wellness is a training for foster parent credit highlighting a trauma-informed, holistic approach to overall health and wellness.

How to join this event:

Register using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Erica Jones at JonesE8@aetna.com. 

November 14, 2024

Welcome to SKY for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The purpose of this training is to educate participants in system transformation and design as well as the new foster program, Supporting Kentucky Youth. The participants will receive an overview of the program, including how the state/Cabinet sister agencies define roles and responsibilities and collaborate to meet the needs of the KY SKY population. Participants will gain a high-level understanding of the FFPSA, what this means at the state and policy level, including fiscal implications. Participants will learn about the Care management tiers, the risk stratification process, and how to connect the SKY enrollees to Care Management services.

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

November 14, 2024

Parenting Education

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Family Enrichment Center in partnership with Aetna Better Health of Kentucky will be providing a Parenting 101 Overview as apart of the Family Planning Training Series for Pregnant, Parenting and Transition Age Youth

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Brittany Bickett at BickettB@aetna.com. 

November 18, 2024

Youth Thrive Training, Day 1

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us for a two day Youth Thrive Training on 11/18 & 11/19 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST.

Youth Thrive: Protective and Promotive Factors Framework 

Guiding Premises:

1. Young people are best supported by those who understand and recognize the importance of self-awareness and self-care in their own professional practice. 
2. Young people are best supported by those who are aware of the impact of traumatic stress and understand the need to use trauma informed practice methods.
3. Young people are best served by those who focus on assets and use strength-based approaches with an awareness of the current research regarding neuroscience and adolescent development. 
4. Young people are best supported by those who understand that attachments, connections, and relationships are a primary source of growth and learning. 
5. Young people are best supported by those who understand the role of race, racism and bias and the way in which race, other identities, privilege, and power shape the younger person’s life, as well as the practitioner’s own life. 
6. Young people are best supported by those who understand and provide culturally responsive services.

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Brittany Bickett at BickettB@aetna.com. 

November 19, 2024

Mental Health Crisis Intervention

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Participants will learn about the mental health crisis intervention services available in their regions and how to access them.

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Courtney Ham at MaryM@aetna.com

November 19, 2024

Youth Thrive Training, Day 2

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us for a two day Youth Thrive Training on 11/18 & 11/19 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST.

Youth Thrive: Protective and Promotive Factors Framework 

Guiding Premises:

1. Young people are best supported by those who understand and recognize the importance of self-awareness and self-care in their own professional practice. 
2. Young people are best supported by those who are aware of the impact of traumatic stress and understand the need to use trauma informed practice methods.
3. Young people are best served by those who focus on assets and use strength-based approaches with an awareness of the current research regarding neuroscience and adolescent development. 
4. Young people are best supported by those who understand that attachments, connections, and relationships are a primary source of growth and learning. 
5. Young people are best supported by those who understand the role of race, racism and bias and the way in which race, other identities, privilege, and power shape the younger person’s life, as well as the practitioner’s own life. 
6. Young people are best supported by those who understand and provide culturally responsive services.

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Brittany Bickett at BickettB@aetna.com. 

November 22, 2024

Getting on TRACK:  Problem Solving

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Getting on TRACK: Problem Solving is a training for our youth in transition that will teach them about the practical ways to work through life's road blocks.   You can think of them as challenges – like a puzzle to be solved – or you can think of them as burdens that you are powerless to resolve. The choice is yours.  Come learn steps to problem-solving.

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Kristi Brewer at BrewerK3@aetna.com.

November 28, 2024

Virtual Office Hours for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The purpose of these sessions is to update participants on program related matters and give our partners an opportunity to raise questions or issues they may have regarding network participation. We intend to have a featured topic that will be addressed each session. Depending on the content to be addressed, i.e., medical management, billing, claims adjudication, etc., there will be other Aetna subject matter experts joining the call.

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

December 6, 2024

UK CTAC 3 Hr Basic TIC Training

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Free Trauma Informed Care Training by UK's CTAC, sponsored by Aetna :This training will provide a brief overview of the types of trauma children/adults may be exposed to and symptoms of traumatic stress. Participants will learn about the elements of a trauma-informed system and will increase their knowledge and practice of emotional regulation strategies that can reduce traumatic stress symptoms in clients. 

CEs are available for Social Work and  Psychology only.

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

December 12, 2024

Welcome to SKY for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The purpose of this training is to educate participants in system transformation and design as well as the new foster program, Supporting Kentucky Youth. The participants will receive an overview of the program, including how the state/Cabinet sister agencies define roles and responsibilities and collaborate to meet the needs of the KY SKY population. Participants will gain a high-level understanding of the FFPSA, what this means at the state and policy level, including fiscal implications. Participants will learn about the Care management tiers, the risk stratification process, and how to connect the SKY enrollees to Care Management services.

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

December 19, 2024

New Provider Orientation

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This training provides a high-level overview of subjects such as: member eligibility; covered services; prior authorization; the provider manual (which is a direct extension of the provider agreement); Availity; quality; fraud, waste and abuse; claims; and grievances and appeals. The SKY program will also be covered, including roles and responsibilities of the of the Department, DCBS, DJJ, and Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) and SKY contractor and needs of the SKY population.

• Continuity of care training will emphasize HIPAA requirements supporting compliant sharing of enrollee health information.
• Covered Services and the Provider’s responsibilities for providing and/or coordinating such services. Special emphasis must be placed on areas that vary from Medicaid coverage and processes, such as coordinating with Foster Parents, Caregivers, Fictive Kin, DCBS and DJJ professional personnel, Adoptive Parents, CASAs, judges, law enforcement officials, and other Cabinet sister agencies.

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

December 19, 2024

Training Collaborative

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

This group will convene bimonthly to discuss commonly held knowledge for innovative and advanced child protection practice and concepts in the state of Kentucky as well as gaps in knowledge that need support. Our meetings will be held bimonthly on the 3rd Thursday from 12 – 1:15pm. 

This group will have the honor of planning around the collective sharing, distribution, and advancement of commonly held training knowledge in a variety of subject areas regarding children and families. This group will also have the opportunity to identify key partnerships, resources, and leverage points to build training knowledge and continue to share across the state and its systems and families, paving the way for Kentucky to be best in class in its collective child and family training knowledge. 

Please consider joining us on one of the working subgroups:

Education Workgroup:  If interested please contact Joy Varney at VarneyJ@aetna.com

Family/Advocacy/Member Workgroup:  If interested please contact Jesse Cain at cainj1@aetna.com

Systems Workgroup:  If interested please contact Courtney Ham at MaryM@aetna.com

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

December 26, 2024

Virtual Office Hours for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The purpose of these sessions is to update participants on program related matters and give our partners an opportunity to raise questions or issues they may have regarding network participation. We intend to have a featured topic that will be addressed each session. Depending on the content to be addressed, i.e., medical management, billing, claims adjudication, etc., there will be other Aetna subject matter experts joining the call.

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

January 21, 2025

Human Trafficking 101

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in their communities and in the workplace.  It will also emphasize the increased risk that those being served through the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System have in becoming victims. 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

January 22, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth 

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

April 15, 2025

Human Trafficking 101

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in their communities and in the workplace.  It will also emphasize the increased risk that those being served through the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System have in becoming victims. 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

April 23, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth 

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

July 15, 2025

Human Trafficking 101

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in their communities and in the workplace.  It will also emphasize the increased risk that those being served through the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System have in becoming victims. 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

July 23, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth 

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

October 21, 2025

Human Trafficking 101

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in their communities and in the workplace.  It will also emphasize the increased risk that those being served through the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System have in becoming victims. 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com. 

October 22, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth 

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com.