Enrollment for subsidized health insurance is open on Kynect

Update Nov. 1, 2021: This story has been updated with more detailed enrollment dates related to coverage. 

State Cabinet for Health and Family Services map, adapted by Kentucky Health News

Enrollment is now open on Kynect, the state's revived health-insurance marketplace, for federally subsidized health insurance for 2022.

The system that many call "Obamacare" has two more insurers than this year, and its first coverage for vision care. Also, some people will find coverage less expensive, thanks to greater federal subsidies.

Open enrollment on kynect.ky.gov runs through Jan. 15. Enrollments received through Dec. 15 will qualify for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2022. For Kentuckians who enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15, 2022, coverage will start Feb. 1, 2022. Enrollment in a commercial plan will remain open on kynect.ky.gov through Jan. 15, 2022.

On the site, Kentuckians can compare options, apply for coverage and complete their enrollment all on one platform, even if they qualify for Medicaid, which covers about a third of Kentuckians.

"Kynectors," who help Kentuckians sign up for coverage on Kynect, are available for free in every county to answer questions and help people sign up for coverage.

In addition to Anthem’s statewide coverage and CareSource, which is offering health plans in 100 of the state's 120 counties, a few counties have new insurers; Ambetter from WellCare, in six western counties, and Passport Health Plan by Molina in Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt counties.

Fourteen counties will have only Anthem plans to choose from, down from 26 this year. Most are small and rural, but they include Warren County, the core of metropolitan Bowling Green, the state's third-largest city. Warren and eight neighboring counties also had Anthem as their only choice this year.

And for the first time, Kentuckians will be able to purchase a vision coverage plan through Kynect. VSP Individual Vision Plans will offer enrollees a comprehensive eye exam from an in-network doctor, an eyeglass-frame allowance and lens enhancements, such as progressives.