Among the provisions in the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to provide COVID-19 relief is reduced-cost health care coverage for uninsured and current enrollees of the federal health insurance marketplace. Research explicitly tells us that there is a link between parent’s coverage and their children’s coverage, which means as more parents receive coverage and care, so will their kids.

An estimated 7,100 Kentuckians with income below 150% of the federal poverty level are newly eligible for free health insurance coverage. You must submit an application by August 15th, 2021, to healthcare.gov.

Also, it’s estimated that 122,000 Kentuckians are eligible for new or enhanced financial subsidies on the health insurance marketplace. If you are already enrolled in a marketplace plan and would like to access the new financial subsidies, report a change to update your application during this special enrollment period. Check out the kynector tool for further assistance. Additionally, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and ThriveKY have put together a guide to help families navigate eligibility.

Having health insurance means parents are able to access the doctor, dentist, and mental health professionals for critical preventive and ongoing care. When parents and caregivers can stay healthy, they can support their family and promote a more prosperous commonwealth – healthier Kentuckians means a healthier workforce.