KY seeks healthcare navigators

As states continue to expand educational efforts to inform residents of the elements of the Affordable Care Act and the creation of healthcare exchanges, Kentucky recently reached out to local groups for help.

In a press statement, The Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Office of the Kentucky Health Benefits Exchange announced it had issued a request for proposal seeking aid from businesses and nonprofits, such as community and volunteer organizations, to help consumers enroll in the state's healthcare marketplace through online platform, kynect, Kentucky's Healthcare Connection.

"KHBE is seeking contractors with experience reaching Kentucky's diverse populations to assist the Commonwealth in reaching the goal of expanding health benefit coverage throughout Kentucky," read the statement.

These "kynectors" will help individuals and small businesses determine coverage needs and identify plans that suit them.

Kynectors' responsibilities will include:

• conducting public educational activities
• sharing objective information about available health plans
• helping users enroll

These navigators will be prohibited from accepting compensation or benefits of any kind from insurance issuers.

Kentucky's health exchange is expected to help more than 600,000 uninsured residents access coverage. The marketplace is set to open for enrollment on October 1.