Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday the state has reconnected the Kynect web portal to provide easier access to more than just health coverage.
The governor said while Kynect was first implemented by his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, to access the state-based health insurance exchange, this new version will do much more.
“It will connect those in need with community-based resources, including food assistance, childcare needs, job training, recovery, foster care and so much more,” Beshear said. “This is a newer, better, more comprehensive Kynect.”
He called the relaunch important, because Kentucky has some of the worst health outcomes in the country. “Kentucky is in the top 10 in lung cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and the new Kynect is going to help change that.”
The governor said while it will take another year to re-establish the state health insurance exchange, the time for Kynect is now. “We know that when we return to the state-run exchange, we’re going to save about $15 million a year. We’re going to make sure that we use that to keep premiums down and for other programs that get us healthier.”
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, a former teacher, said, “As an educator, I can tell you how important the information on Kynect is for teachers, our school administrators, our parents, guardians, and, of course, our students. Access to good medical care, nutrition and other benefits positively affect our kids’ physical health, their mental health, learning and social development.”
Coleman said many families do not take advantage of the benefits available because they are unaware of their existence, and Kynect will help educate them about the programs.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander said the website has been relaunched and retooled for better navigation. “We want to make it simple; we want to make it accessible. Our programs are often complex and getting through them can take a while.”
When asked why they could re-tool and re-launch Kynect so quickly from former Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration’s Benefind program, but can’t do the same with the unemployment insurance system, Beshear said, “Benefind, as it was left to us, had issues, but was certainly in a better place, especially the IT infrastructure, than unemployment. We had a health cabinet that had the resources to go about putting this together.”
Whether someone visits from a computer or mobile device, Beshear says Kentuckians can accomplish the tasks they’ve set out to do online without having to stand in a line to apply for benefits.
They can now also track the progress of an application and see next steps after an application is completed. Applicants can snap a photo of documents with a smartphone and upload it if information is requested for the application.
The governor said to generate statewide awareness, a comprehensive marketing campaign has been developed that will reach every portion of the state. Familiar animated characters representing all walks of life are featured in television, print, outdoor and digital advertising.
The website is kynect.ky.gov, and will work from a smartphone as well as a computer.
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Written by Tom Latek. Cross-posted from Kentucky Today.