Tagged: Kentucky health insurance exchange

One lesser-known aspect of the Affordable Care Act is it’s reliance on state health cooperatives —  which work separate of the state- or federally run health exchange, but are free to offer their own brand of insurance on the exchange.

But recent Congressional deal-making is putting those co-ops in danger.

While states are getting grants to fund their exchanges, co-ops were getting federal loans which had to be paid back within five years.

As Kentucky officials continue to implement the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, doctors are preparing for a rush of new patients in every sector of the health care industry.

Seven Counties Services CEO Tony Zipple says at least 25 percent of uninsured Americans have behavioral issues that need attention. And once the Affordable Care Act takes effect, he's expecting to see a flood of newly-insured patients seeking treatments.

The confusing process of setting up Kentucky’s health insurance exchange should get clearer later this month.

The Affordable Care Act requires states to set up exchanges in which residents can compare and purchase health plans. Governor Steve Beshear choose to set up the state exchange earlier this year, rather than let the federal government operate the system.

So far, Beshear has created a new state office to house the exchange and he's named an executive director. 

And by the end of this month, the state must choose an existing health plan that will be the benchmark for the exchange. To be listed on the exchange, all other health plans will have to provide similar or better service than the benchmark.

Each plan must cover essential care items including:

A health insurance exchange is required under the healthcare law, and will allow Kentuckians to compare and purchase insurance plans. But confusion about the exchange remains; lawmakers say information on the exchange is lacking, and want to know what the price tag will be. Kenny Colston has covered the story for WFPL and Kentucky Public Radio. He joined us on Friday's Byline to fill us in on just what we still don't know about how the exchange will work.