by Matt Hughes
J-E News Editor
Tuesday marked the beginning of the next era of health care. It was the first day that Kentuckians could enroll in the state’s health benefit exchange, Kynect.
Kynect is expected to help 640,000 uninsured residents get coverage through private insurance plans or Medicaid, as well as the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP).
“It’s kind of like a big shopping mall,” said Sarah Combs, a certified application counselor with Health First CHC. “Kynect will offer a variety of insurance plans for everyone and, every income range. kynect can help you get coverage even if you have been denied in the past for pre-existing conditions or could not afford coverage.”
Combs, based at Health First’s Clay office, is one of the people the local health care provider has who is tasked with helping residents attain their new health care coverage.
 |
| Sarah Combs |
“Kynect health plans will cover essential health benefits such as ambulatory, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn, mental health, prescription drug, rehabilitation, lab services, preventative services and pediatric including oral and vision,” she said. “You can compare plans by price, benefits, quality and other features.”
Combs said that for those who cannot afford the premiums, there is a tax credit program to help them get much of their money reimbursed.
“There are a lot of people out there below the poverty level or who don’t have jobs,” Combs said.
“Today marks a sea change in the health of Kentuckians. The impact of providing affordable health care coverage to the more than 640,000 Kentuckians who are now uninsured is nearly unfathomable. Real access to health care will not only improve our collective health, but will strengthen our workforce and save Kentucky millions of dollars,” said Governor Steve Beshear, who, long with Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson, plans to spend the week promoting open enrollment in the program. “I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time, and I’m excited for our friends, neighbors and coworkers to finally enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having affordable health insurance.”
The kynect website urges residents to apply online, but that isn’t the only option.
“You can also call kynect Contact Centers at 1-855-4kynect (1-855-459-6328) or to set up an in-person appointment you can call me at any of the Health First Community Health Centers listed below or on my office phone at (270)667-2443 ext. 2304,” said Sarah Combs.
No comments:
Post a Comment