Obamacare Kentucky
The state of Kentucky currently has a state run health insurance exchange that partners with Healthcare.gov’s federal marketplace. Their website is called Kynect and it refers Kentuckyians to Healthcare.gov if they are interested in shopping and enrolling in an Obamacare plan online.
Obamacare in Kentucky
What does Obamacare mean for Kentucky?
Due to the Affordable Care Act, every state has to ensure that its uninsured residents have access to affordable health care. They can either participate in the Health Care Marketplace or create a state-run exchange. Kentucky has opted to establish its own exchange, Kynect, but has partnered with Healthcare.gov for enrollment. Residents can visit Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection at www.kyenroll.ky.gov. When individuals go to the exchange, they can learn about their options for health insurance, whether they qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or a variety of private plans. In addition, Kentucky is moving forward in expanding their Medicaid program in order to offer coverage to a larger percentage of the population. It should be noted that the governor’s decision to expand Medicaid has faced lawsuits to overrule this option.
Who Will Benefit from Kentucky’s Exchange?
Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection is mainly for the uninsured, especially those of low income who have not been able to afford a health insurance policy. The exchange is also helpful for anyone who is paying extremely high premiums due to limited assistance from employers concerning premiums. The self-employed of Kentucky may be able to find more affordable options at their state’s exchange as well.
What Will Happen for the Uninsured in Kentucky?
Uninsured residents in Kentucky will be penalized under the individual mandate for the remainder of 2018. Starting in 2019, the individual mandate will be abolished under the recent tax bill that was passed at the end of 2017. If penalized, a Kentuckyian will pay out the greater of $695 per uninsured adult and $347.50 per uninsured child in the household or 2.5 percent of the taxable income.
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