Enrollment for subsidized health insurance under way

Open enrollment for federally subsidized health insurance is available on the state-based marketplace, Kynect, through Jan. 15, for coverage that starts Feb. 1. The last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start Jan. 1, is Dec. 15.

Priscilla Easterling, director of outreach and enrollment with Kentucky Voices for Health, encouraged Kentuckians to use the prescreening tool on kynect.ky.gov to see what plans are available to them and to see if they are eligible for a premium tax credit — even if they have looked before and thought the plans were too expensive.

Easterling explained that's because the increases in the premium tax credits that were put into place by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have made marketplace plans more affordable for most families and individuals. That said, she added that 2025 will be the last year for these increased tax credits.

"It is the one time of year that you can really shop and look at all of the plans that are available on kynect.ky.gov and ... evaluate what kind of healthcare coverage you might need for the next year," she said.

Marketplace coverage is available to people who don't have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program or another source, with a few exceptions.

All marketplace plans are certified to meet the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including covering pre-existing conditions, limiting cost-sharing and covering the 10 essential benefits, including emergency services, hospitalization, lab services, prescription drugs and certain no-cost preventive services.

For 2025, the carriers remain the same and most counties will have at least two. They are Anthem, Passport by Molina, Ambetter by WellCare and CareSource. KVH has created a 2025 coverage map to show what carriers are available in each Kentucky county. KVH also says, "Four out of five customers can find a plan for $10 or less per month with financial assistance."

To sign up, Kentuckians can visit kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328. They also can get help at a local Department for Community-Based Services office, from a Kynector or a licensed health insurance agent at no cost.

Kynectors, who help individuals navigate the enrollment process, explain healthcare and insurance jargon and guide them through plan selection, are available in all 120 counties.