The open enrollment period ends this weekend for Kentuckians who get their health insurance through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange, via the federal marketplace.
Saturday is the final day and exchange officials are encouraging Kentuckians to act now, so they will be enrolled in a qualified plan, which starts Jan. 1, 2019.
More than 80 percent of Kentuckians enrolled in the exchange qualify for tax credits or subsidies that reduce the monthly health insurance premiums. For most people, the credits will offset any premium increase, so the cost of insurance in 2019 should be about the same as this year.
Those who purchase insurance on the exchange should update their applications, even if they have current coverage. This ensures the most up-to-date information and makes it easier for individuals and families to find the plan to best meet their needs. For new users, the federal marketplace requires the creation of a user account and a completed online application.
Trained and certified application assisters who provide in-person assistance are available in every county in the commonwealth. These individuals can to provide application assistance and help in choosing a plan to meet your needs. To locate an assister near you, log on to www.HealthBenefitExchange.ky.gov.
A state-based call center is available at 855-459-6328 to assist Kentuckians with questions about where to go for coverage. The call center can help prescreen for program eligibility and help with questions and information. The federal customer service center is also available. It can be reached by calling 800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also log on to www.HealthCare.gov.
Those who do not currently have a qualified health plan from the exchange and fail to act by the Saturday deadline cannot receive 2019 coverage unless they qualify for a special enrollment period. Current plan holders who do not review and/or renew their options will be automatically enrolled into the same or a similar health plan for 2019.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
