FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kynect is back for 2021, and it has even more options for health insurance plans.

“Options for Kentuckians are only part of the reason we’re excited about this relaunch, because our commonwealth can tailor coverage to address the unique needs of Kentuckians; a real plus,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “And another benefit that should make this a no-brainer is cost savings.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky’s state-run health insurance marketplace, kynect, is live for the upcoming open enrollment period

  • Open enrollment begins Nov. 1, but people can get an early look now at what plans are available

  • Gov. Andy Beshear brought Kynect back in 2020

  • The health exchange is expected to save Kentuckians $15 million each year, according to Beshear

Beshear brought Kynect back last year, which helps people navigate state-managed health care plans.

He says it’ll help Kentuckians save $15 million each year by connecting thousands of people to Medicaid or other options. People who sign up for plans on Kynect won’t be subject to a surcharge on premiums like those who sign up on the federal marketplace

“Every single Kentuckians deserves quality health care,” Beshear said. “I believed, and many of us believed, that before the pandemic, but everybody should believe it now.”

The federal government recently approved Kentucky’s state-based marketplace, which is one of 18 in the country. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says will ease the strain on the federal system, and help Kentuckians in the long run.

“(Beshear’s) team is going to be able to tailor their marketplace to meet the needs of all the different communities: rural, urban, poor, middle-class, disabled, you name it,” Becerra said. “They’re going to know where they need to go and how to go there better than folks in Washington, D.C.”

Kynect won’t officially come back for this year’s open enrollment period until Nov. 1, but people can log on now to see what plans are out there and if savings are available through various programs.

Two new health insurers will join the marketplace this year in certain counties: WellCare of Kentucky and Passport Health Plan by Molina. They join Anthem, Caresource, Aetna, and United Healthcare on the marketplace, although options vary depending on what county you live in.

Kynect will also allow people to purchase a vision plan.

Beshear says finding quality health care is critical, especially after COVID-19.

“Losing over 9,000 Kentuckians has certainly changed me and this state, and it oughta change some of our views,” Beshear said. “Everybody, no matter what side of the aisle we are on, now oughta believe that there oughta be a path to secure health care for everyone.”

The new plans will take effect Jan. 1, although open enrollment will continue through Jan. 15.

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