Enrollment for Obamacare plans opens Wednesday, Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15; state exchange offers asistance - Health News

Open enrollment for health insurance plans at healthcare.gov begins Wednesday, Nov. 1, and continues through Dec. 15, half as long as the last annual signup period.

The state Health Benefit Exchange, formerly branded as Kynect, "is working to ensure Kentuckians are prepared, informed and have the resources they need to choose a 2018 health plan," the Cabinet for Health and Family Services said in a press release.

Kentuckians who already have a plan purchased through the exchange are automatically re-enrolled the same plan for 2018 or moved to an option "that most closely matches their current coverage," the release said.

Current policyholders, and those who want to view options for 2018 on the exchange, can use the shopping tool at healthcare.gov. New users, will have to create a user account and complete an online application.

"About 80 percent of Kentuckians enrolled in the exchange qualify for tax credits or subsidies that reduce their monthly health insurance premiums," the release says. "For most of those who quality, the credits will off-set premium increases so the cost of insurance in 2018 will be about the same."

The state no longer gets federal funds for enrollment outreach and assistance, but the cabinet says it is "using a multifaceted campaign to reach current policyholders and potential new enrollees. These targeted efforts include direct mail, text messages, phone calls and emails."

The state says it is coordinating with community assisters in every county, and sending staff to more than 400 community outreach events across the state. To find an event or asisster, go to healthbenefitexchange.ky.gov. The site also includes net payment examples for all regions of the state and 2018 sample scenarios for individuals and families.

The state call center at 855-459-6328 assists Kentuckians with questions about coverage. The center can help pre-screen for eligibility and help with questions and information about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. The HealthCare.gov customer service center is also available. It can be reached by calling 800-318-2596. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


from Kentucky Health News http://ift.tt/2hgGfUk - Health News

Comments