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FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ / Press Release) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Monday, October 4 that kynect, the state health insurance exchange, will reopen on November 1, 2021, to allow Kentuckians access to more easily to health coverage and other benefits. .
The move, recently approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), allows Kentuckians to access and compare state-run health care options, apply for coverage, and complete their enrollment in one. convenient platform to kynect.ky.gov.
“Quality health care is a basic human right – and this need has never been more evident than during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Beshear said. “Kentucky’s economy has caught fire and we just landed the biggest economic investment in the history of the state, but we cannot succeed in building a better Kentucky if our people are not healthy and ready to work. kynect was a lifeline to so many when it was first offered in 2013, and we’re excited to be working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to bring it back and make sure all Kentuckians can easily access the health plans and the benefits they deserve. . “
Compared to current federal exchange offers, Kentuckians will benefit in 2022 from more health insurance providers and the ability to tailor coverage to meet their unique needs. The change is expected to save Kentuckians at least $ 15 million a year. People who buy commercial health plans through the federal site pay extra on premiums, which will not continue with the state-based market. The savings will be passed on to Kentuckians who buy health coverage in the market. Restoring the portal and other kynect services will help Kentuckians have better access to local support throughout the application process.
Key dates
From October 15, 2021 to kynect.ky.gov, Kentuckians will be able to browse the blueprints and explore the benefits
which takes effect on January 1, 2022. Registration for 2022 begins on November 1, 2021 and ends on January 15, 2022.
Improved coverage
The Commonwealth will receive funding of $ 650,000 from CMS to support the reopening of kynect. Kentuckians will once again have access to all of the benefits of the original state-based kynect, launched in 2013, including the ability to determine eligibility for Medicaid or a grant to help offset their premium costs.
In addition to statewide coverage from Anthem and CareSource, which offers plans in 100 counties, consumers can purchase plans available in select counties from two new health insurers; Ambette Kentucky WellCare and Health Plan Passport by Molina.
Also new in January 2022, Kentuckians will be able to purchase a vision plan via kynect. Individual VSP Vision Plans will offer registrants a comprehensive eye exam by a network physician, a frame allowance, and lens enhancements, such as progressive lenses.
Kynect Relaunch
In October 2020, Governor Beshear launched a redesigned kynect website that prepared the Commonwealth to return to a state-based market. In addition to the new medical benefits, kynect provides Kentuckians with information on other types of assistance and benefits based on income or need, such as the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, and the Kentucky Transition Assistance Program
Since October 2020, the kynect portal has been connected more than 2.3 million times by more than 1.8 million visitors. Almost 105,000 claims for benefits have been submitted and nearly 1 million supporting documents have been downloaded. This is a 180% increase from the daily average noted last year from January to September.
“Kynect is truly a one-stop-shop for consumers in need of health coverage, whether it’s Medicaid or a private insurance plan,” said Eric Friedlander, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Human Services. family services. “With its convenient, mobile-friendly option, it’s also the place to go to access other resources you or someone you know might need, including food aid, transportation, employment, skills training and veterans benefits. It will also connect Kentuckians to community services in partnership with Kentucky United Way chapters across all of the organizations available on their statewide 211 platform, including: clothing, transportation, housing and Moreover. “
Kentucky’s original and award-winning health benefit exchange helped Kentucky achieve the largest drop in the uninsured rate in the country from 2013 to 2014. The state-owned marketplace was disbanded in 2016 under administration Bevin.
To find out more visit kynect.ky.gov.
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