universal-healthcheckup-dbprereleaseAs advocates for children and families in Kentucky, we know that all children need access to affordable health care to help make sure they stay healthy. We are watching the transition from kynect to the federal health care exchange (known as healthcare.gov) closely to understand what it means for Kentucky kids and families.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently sent a letter to Governor Bevin’s Administration in which they come to an agreement about the transition from kynect to the federal exchange. As child advocates, we agree with HHS that the transition should be simple for families to understand so as to not disrupt their health coverage.

As advocates for all Kentucky kids and families, we want to be a resource for families and make sure they have the best information when enrolling in health coverage. Here are some FAQs we can address at this time, and we will continue to provide more information as we learn it.

What does this transition mean for my family?

  • If you or your children have health insurance through Medicaid or the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), your health insurance will not be impacted by these changes at this time. However, when it’s time for you or your child to renew coverage (typically every 12 months), you will have to reapply through healthcare.gov or benefind.ky.gov.
  • If you or your children purchased a private health insurance plan through kynect, no changes in your health insurance will occur right now. However, you will need to go to healthcare.gov during the open enrollment period from November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017 to purchase a new health insurance plan. Failure to purchase a new plan will result in loss of coverage.
  • If you or your children do not have health insurance, you can go to benefind.ky.gov to find out if you or your children are eligible for Medicaid or KCHIP right now. If you or your children are not eligible, you will need to wait until November 1 and go to healthcare.gov to purchase a private health insurance plan.

What important dates do I need to know for 2017 health coverage? 

  • Open enrollment is November 1, 2016 until January 31, 2017. Be sure to enroll early so you don’t have a gap in coverage!
  • For a list of other important dates and a timeline of when you should sign-up to ensure you have coverage on January 1, 2017, click here.

Is there a place where families can read an overview about this transition and what to expect?

  • The federal government created a summary of various scenarios that may pertain to you and what you might expect during the transition from kynect to healthcare.gov. Find it here.
  • Healthcare.gov also created a guide about the federal marketplace to assist consumers in this transition.

What will I need to enroll or renew my health coverage?

  • The federal Health Insurance Marketplace has a checklist that you can use to help understand what you need.