Removing barriers to opportunity through community-based expungement clinics in Kentucky

National data shows that people with criminal records face significantly higher unemployment rates, increasing stress and limiting access to health care.¹ To help reduce these barriers and support healthier communities, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky collaborated with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky to support two free expungement clinics in Paducah and Lexington. Held on October 23 in Paducah and November 18 in Lexington, the clinics expanded access to legal guidance and hands-on assistance for individuals seeking to clear or seal eligible criminal records. By addressing legal obstacles that affect economic stability, the clinics reflect a community-based approach to improving long-term health and wellbeing.

Community-based expungement clinics in Paducah and Lexington

Both clinics were hosted in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky at accessible community locations. Legal Aid attorneys were on-site to provide eligibility screening, legal advice and guidance on completing expungement paperwork accurately and efficiently. This hands-on support helped participants better understand whether they qualified for expungement and what steps were required to move forward.

Because the expungement process can take several months to complete, final outcomes and approvals are still pending. However, the clinics laid initial groundwork by connecting participants to legal expertise, clarifying eligibility and helping them take the first steps toward clearing their records.

Supporting workforce stability and economic opportunity

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky’s workforce-focused mission aligns closely with expungement as a pathway to employment and financial independence. Criminal records can prevent qualified individuals from securing jobs, advancing in their careers or accessing stable housing. By helping remove these barriers, expungement clinics support pathways to economic opportunities that can have lasting impacts on health.

Participants were also connected to additional Goodwill resources through local Opportunity Centers, where they can learn more about workforce training, employment services and other programs available in their communities. Improved economic stability can reduce reliance on high-cost emergency care and support more consistent use of preventive and primary care services.

Demonstrating cross-sector collaboration and managed care value

The collaboration between UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, and Legal Aid demonstrates how managed care organizations can work across systems to address the root causes of poor health outcomes. By aligning legal support, workforce development and health care, the clinics reflect a shift from reactive care toward proactive investment in social factors that shape health outcomes.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky helped to bring together community collaborators to deliver practical, community-centered solutions. This approach reinforces managed care as an active participant in improving community wellbeing by addressing the conditions that influence health long before medical care is needed.

Moving forward with greater stability

The expungement clinics in Paducah and Lexington highlight how addressing legal and economic barriers can support healthier, more stable communities. Through collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and Legal Aid, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky is expanding access to resources that help individuals move forward with renewed opportunity. This work highlights the impact managed care can have when it looks beyond traditional health care settings and collaborates across sectors to support long-term wellbeing.

Learn more about our efforts to improve health outcomes for Kentuckians by visiting our Kentucky profile page.

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