Beginning Wednesday, Kentuckians can shop and enroll for health and dental coverage on the state-based marketplace, kynect.
Enrollment is open through January 16, 2024.
Kentuckians who sign up on or before December 15 will have a coverage start date of January 1, 2024. Those who sign up on December 16 through the last day of enrollment will be eligible for coverage that begins on February 1, 2024.
All plans offered on the marketplace cover 10 essential health benefits, including emergency services, hospitalization, lab services and prescription drugs. All plan types also cover certain preventive services at no cost, and no one can be dropped from coverage or have their premiums increased because of health issues.
Four carriers will offer health plans: Anthem, CareSource, Passport by Molina Healthcare and WellCare of Kentucky. Passport by Molina Healthcare will expand by 22 counties, and WellCare will expand by 26 counties. Anthem and Best Life will offer dental plans. An expanded number of plans have been certified for 2024 and all counties have at least two carrier choices, with most having three choices and many now having four choices.
Carrie Banahan, deputy secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, encouraged consumers to visit kynect.ky.gov for plan details.
“There’s more to plans than the monthly premium,” she said. “Make sure your doctors and other clinicians are in their network. Check out whether your favorite pharmacy is among their preferred.”
Open enrollment in a qualified health plan also overlaps with other annual open enrollments, including Medicare. Medicare beneficiaries may make changes through December 7 and enrollment choices take effect on January 1, 2024.
For kynect enrollment assistance, visit kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328. Kentuckians may also get help at local Department for Community-Based Services office, from a kynector or a licensed health insurance agent.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
