Kynect connects residents to health insurance, other needs

Those losing or in need of health insurance received assistance in the application process by Kentucky's insurance marketplace representatives.

Kynect Health Coverage had an open enrollment event Wednesday at the Goodwill Opportunity Center in Elizabethtown.

At the event, multiple kynectors assisted participants with insurance applications through the marketplace and answer any questions they had. There also was a lunch provided to those at the event.

According to Community Engagement Representative for Passport Health Plan Joy Wickens, the event also is meant to help people interested in changing their managed care company, enrolling in Medicaid, or a qualified health plan.

"It's great that everyone here can get health insurance coverage," Wickens said. "There's really no reason anyone should not have health insurance."

The people attending the event in need of help with their insurance were very grateful for the opportunity.

Lacey Reader said the different options available at the event were great.

"I'd definitely like to see more events like this in the future," Reader said. "They had a work expo last month that I went to, and I found job through there."

Robert Allen said it was amazing in helping people out in the community.

"It actually helps people out and gets their lives on track," Allen said. "It also helps them get all the resources they need.

According to Diana Ochoa, the enrollment event was very beneficial in helping her get on a better health care plan among other important goals.

"Being in treatment, it's hard for us to pay a phone bill so this gives us access to free phones that let us contact our families," Ochoa said. "I was also able to pick up a pamphlet for my fiancé who lives three hours away."