Kentuckians looking for a qualified health plan for 2017 can find one through healthcare.gov, the federal exchange.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently approved this change, while noting, “We remain concerned that kynect’s transition to the federal platform may disrupt the seamless system of coverage that kynect established.”
CMS is working closely with Kentucky officials to implement the move to a federal exchange, although the aggressive timeline could prove difficult. The 2017 open enrollment period starts Nov. 1, 2016, and ends Jan. 31, 2017. Kentuckians must enroll no later than Dec. 15, 2016, on Healthcare.gov to be covered starting Jan. 1, 2017.
To address enrollment confusion, the federal exchange is using awareness campaigns to notify consumers about enrollment dates and different ways for enrolling. Kentucky will use a variety of methods, including social media and individual letters, to notify consumers impacted by the transition from kynect to the federal exchange.
Physician offices may want to encourage patients to review the educational material because consumers might face administrative snags that could result in enrollment delays and possible loss of insurance coverage that may create payment delays for physicians. To prepare for the transition, physicians and consumers should visit Healthcare.gov and Benefind. Both sites offer numerous resources, including question and answer sections and contact information.
KMA will use social media, news articles and the KMA website (www.kyma.org) to post updates on this subject. Members may also contact KMA via email at lady@kyma.org.
