On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Health Care Act.  The law puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will roll out over four years and beyond.  The goal of the reform is to improve quality of health services and lower healthcare cost by enhancing access to healthcare coverage and adding consumer protections.  African Americans, like other racial and ethnic minorities, the law will address inequities and will increase access to quality, affordable health coverage, and invest in prevention and wellness.
One of the most significant provisions of the ACA is the Marketplace.  Starting October 1, 2013 individuals and families will be able to compare and shop for a health insurance plan and find out if they are eligible for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or a new tax credit that can be used right away to lower monthly health plan premiums. Insurance coverage begins January 2014.

To find more details about the healthcare reform, go to the website: http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/2012/04/aca-and-african-americans04122012a.html

Kentucky Healthcare Connection

Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection (kynect) will provide individuals, families and small businesses with easy, one-stop shopping to find healthcare coverage.  Kynect is operated by the Office of the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.  Federal law requires each state to have an online health insurance marketplace to ensure that all Americans have access to quality healthcare. To learn more about Kynect, go to the website: www.kynect.ky.gov or click here

Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace is here. 

How to apply for Marketplace coverage

There are 4 ways to apply for coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace:

• Apply online. Visit this page and select your state to get started.
• Apply by phone. Call 1-800-318-2596 to apply for a health insurance plan and enroll over the phone. (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)
• Apply in person. Visit a trained counselor in your community to get information, apply, and enroll in person.
• Apply by mail. Complete a paper application and mail it in.

More links about the healthcare reform:

Focus on Health Reform

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OVERVIEW OF THE HEALTH CARE LAW

2010: A new Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, protecting consumers from the worst abuses of the insurance industry. Cost-free preventive services begin for many Americans.

2011: People with Medicare can get key preventive services for free, and also receive a 50% discount on brand-name drugs in the Medicare “donut hole.”

2012: Accountable Care Organizations and other programs help doctors and health care providers work together to deliver better care.

2013: Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace begins on October 1st.

2014: All Americans gained access to affordable health insurance options. The Marketplace allowed individuals and small businesses to compare health plans on a level playing field. The Medicaid program was expanded to cover more low-income Americans.