FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 7, 2015) –Governor Steve Beshear reminded Kentuckians in need of health care coverage to check out the variety of options available on kynect and choose a plan by Dec. 15 for a Jan. 1 effective date. Open enrollment began Nov. 1, 2015 and runs through Jan. 31, 2016.
“Kentuckians can find more choices and affordable prices by shopping on kynect,” Gov. Beshear said. “I encourage people who are currently uninsured and those who previously purchased a plan on kynect to come back and shop again during open enrollment, because they may find an even better plan for their family. It’s important to be aware of the Dec. 15 deadline to enroll in coverage for it to start on Jan. 1, 2016.”
Depending on the county in which an individual lives, kynect enrollees can choose from as many as seven insurance companies with expanded provider networks offering a total of 86 private health insurance plans. The insurance carriers for 2016 are Aetna, Anthem, Baptist Health, CareSource, Humana, United Healthcare and WellCare. Two insurers, Anthem and United Healthcare of Kentucky, will offer plans to residents in all 120 Kentucky counties. The Kentucky Health Cooperative is not offering on the exchange for 2016, so it is important that all current cooperative policyholders choose a new insurer and enroll in a new plan to be covered in 2016.
New this year, kynect features a shopping tool that will further assist consumers in targeting their search for the plan that best fits their unique insurance needs. The shopping tool can help estimate the annual medical cost for a household and help determine the most cost-effective plans available for individuals and families on kynect.
As the first major deadline of 2016 open enrollment fast approaches, Carrie Banahan, executive director of kynect, reminds the public that health coverage is now required by law. Those who do not enroll could face a tax penalty – in addition to the personal risks associated with being uninsured.
“Individuals who do not obtain health coverage could face significant financial penalties when they file their taxes, not to mention the personal risks of not having healthcare coverage,” Banahan said. “kynect is easy to use and offers an array of options for Kentuckians – whether you qualify for Medicaid or enroll in one of the many qualified health plans offered on the exchange.”
Individuals who need health insurance are encouraged to log on to kynect or contact an insurance agent or kynector to see their options for quality, affordable health coverage in 2016. They can also visit the retail stores in the Fayette Mall in Lexington or the Mall St. Matthews in Louisville to receive in-person assistance. Medicaid enrollment is open at any time.
Visit https://kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4kynect (459-6328) to learn more about affordable health care options for Kentuckians.