How to sign up for 2017 health care coverage the seamless and easy way
The holidays are fast approaching, and before we know it, we’ll be making our way through 2017. Naturally, there is a lot of planning that goes into the end of the year — from prepping get-togethers with family and friends to making new year’s resolutions — that it can be easy to get caught up in all the festivities.
But with all the holiday excitement, it’s important to not let the important things fall through the cracks, like signing you and your family up for 2017 health insurance coverage.
We know that with family, friends, and food abound, the last thing we want to do is go through a seemingly never-ending and confusing process to sign up for health care. That’s why we’re here to give our fellow Kentuckians the tools and resources you need to make the enrollment process as seamless and painless as possible.
The easier it is to sign up for health coverage, the more energy and time you have to enjoy feasting and celebrating, right?
Health always comes first, and not knowing how to sign up shouldn’t be an excuse to neglect your or your family’s health. The state of Kentucky knows, however, that enrollment can be a confusing process. That’s why the state is providing free in-person consultations for those who need some help with the forms or have questions about plans, coverage, signing up, and more.
Affordable health plans
Not only is it easy to enroll, but it’s also affordable — what you pay for insurance depends on your income. That means that when signing up, you’ll probably save.
Savings depend on your expected household income for the year, and over 8 in 10 people who apply are eligible for lower premiums. For more information about how plan pricing works, different ways to sign up, and other details, 5 tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
How to sign up and what’s new this year
In past years, Kentuckians have used the kynect website to apply for and enroll in health insurance. For 2017 health care coverage, however, you’ll use HealthCare.gov, instead (HealthCare.gov is sometimes called the Health Insurance Marketplace).
Signup instructions vary depending on your current health care status and what plan you are looking to sign up for next year. For easy-to-follow steps to apply and enroll, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/kentucky-2017/
Important dates and deadlines
- November 1, 2016: Open enrollment starts — this is the first day you can enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2017 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2017.
- December 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2017.
- January 1, 2017: 2017 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15.
- January 31, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change a 2017 health plan. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (see Dates & deadlines for 2017 health insurance for more information).
Easy to get started today
Download the application checklist to ensure that you submit all the necessary materials: Marketplace Application Checklist