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Welcome

Open Enrollment is Here!

The Open Enrollment period for Plan Year 2026  
is November 1st, 2025 - January 15th, 2026.

Applicants must enroll for kynect health coverage by
December  15, 2025, to have coverage start on January 1, 2026.

For applicants who enroll from December 16, 2025, through 
January 15, 2026, their coverage will start on February 1, 2025.

Note: If you qualify, you can enroll in Medicaid or KCHIP anytime.
For Plan Year 2025 Qualified Health Plans ​, you can enroll if you have 

certain life events ​like losing coverage or a change in your household size.


Get in touch with a kynector or Agent Now

Important SNAP Notice:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be impacted by the federal government shutdown. For the latest updates, visit chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs.


  TALK to a Licensed Insurance Agent LIVE!*

833-597-8778

Absolutely Free Assistance Enrolling in a Qualified Health Plan

*subject to Agent availability

Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2026 will end in:

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4 steps to prepare to enroll through kynect for plan year 2026.


1. Know the key dates

  • November 1, 2025 - Open enrollment begins. Start shopping for a health plan, checking prices, and exploring coverage options.
  • December 15, 2025 - Enrollment deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2026.
  • January 15, 2026 - Enrollment deadline for coverage starting February 1, 2026.
  • If you miss these deadlines, you may still qualify to enroll if you experience certain life events through the Special Enrollment Period. 

2. Know your needs

  • Do you have a preferred provider or doctor? Do you have regular prescriptions you take? Factors like these may affect your plan choice. If a provider isn't in-network or medications aren't covered, it can increase your healthcare costs. 

3. Gather your information

  • When you enroll in a plan through kynect, you'll be asked some personal and financial questions about your household. This information is used to check eligibility for plans and to see if you qualify for financial assistance. You will be asked details such as your mailing address, number of members in your household, Social Security number (if you have one), and an estimate of your household income (such as wages, pensions, retirement account, ect.).

4. Talk to a licensed Agent or kynector 

  • Vist kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4kynect to find free local help. Licensed Insurance Agents can help you choose a plan that best fits your financial and health needs, help you determine if you are eligible for financial assistance, and enroll you in the plan of your choice. 

What Kentuckians Can Expect During the Partial Federal Government Shutdown starting October 1, 2025.

Medicaid Coverage and Services: Business as Usual

  • Medicaid coverage will continue uninterrupted.
    Medicaid is a mandatory program, and federal funding for benefits is not affected by a shutdown. Members can continue to access medical services as usual.
  • Providers will continue to receive payment.
    Medicaid providers can still submit claims and will be paid for services rendered to Medicaid members.
  • New applications, renewals, and changes will still be processed.
    All services related to Medicaid applications, eligibility reviews, and changes in coverage will proceed without delays. The following resources remain open and fully operational:
    • Contact Center
    • kynectors and kynector programs
    • Department for Community-Based Services (DCBS) offices

Qualified Health Plan Health Coverage: Business as Usual

  • No disruption to Qualified Health Plans.
    The kynect State-Based Marketplace will continue to provide full services to residents seeking coverage through Qualified Health Plans (QHPs).
  • Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) payments will continue.
    Subsidies for both current and new QHP enrollees will remain in place. These are funded through user fees and other non-discretionary sources, which are unaffected by a federal shutdown.
Upcoming Open Enrollment
  • Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2025.
    The annual Open Enrollment period for kynect health coverage will proceed as scheduled. Kentucky residents will have full access to enroll in coverage or make changes for the 2026 plan year.

Special Enrollment Fact Sheet

More Enrollment Periods:

Medicare Medicaid

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Welcome to the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange, your gateway to quality, affordable health coverage.

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The Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange is a Division within Office of Health Data and Analytics, with the primary responsibility to administer the provisions of the Affordable Care Act for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange provides support and resources for Kentuckians to enroll in health coverage and learn what health insurance and other programs they may be eligible for. Within every county in the Commonwealth, KHBE provides access through insurance agents or kynectors who can help complete applications and find affordable, quality health coverage including Qualified Health Plans or Medicaid coverage.

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Statute establishing the Division of the Health Benefit Exchange:

Access the Statute

New Administrative Regulation Notice:

Access the Administrative Regulation Notice

Connect with an Agent or kynector in your area

Connect with an Agent or kynector
 

Find a kynector for in-person help with applying for health coverage.

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How does the Exchange work?

KHBE functions to oversee the commonwealth’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act. 

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Let us help you.

Use these quick links to get the information you need.

Don't see what you are looking for?

Contact Us

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