Kentucky, Maine & New Mexico to Launch State-Based Marketplaces for 2022
3 states will transition away from Healthcare.gov to their own State-Based Marketplace for the plan year 2022.
Oct 7, 2021 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that Kentucky, Maine, and New Mexico will be transitioning from Healthcare.gov to their own State-based Marketplaces. This shift will go into effect for the 2022 plan year.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure supports the move, stating, “I encourage consumers in these states to take advantage of these new State-based Marketplaces to compare options and find coverage that works for them and their families during the upcoming Open Enrollment Period.”
State-Based Marketplace Specifics
The State-based Marketplaces for Kentucky, Maine, and New Mexico include kynect, CoverME.gov, and beWellnm, respectively.
Open enrollment for individual market coverage in these three states begins November 1, 2021. At that date, consumers in these three states, and others with State-based Marketplaces, can explore plan options, shop, and enroll in health care plans for 2022.
Those currently enrolled through Healthcare.gov for 2021 will be able to renew coverage for the plan year 2022 through the new State-base Marketplace. It is estimated that this will affect more than 173,000 consumers.
The governors of Kentucky, Maine, and New Mexico were all proud to launch their own unique State-based Marketplaces.
“My Administration is committed to ensuring that Maine people can see their doctor, receive care, afford their medications, stay healthy, and contribute to our state. That’s why…we’re taking another important step forward in ensuring access to affordable health care by transitioning to a fully state-run Marketplace,” said Governor Mills. “CoverME.gov will help Maine people get the health care they need in 2022 and we thank the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for its continued support.”
New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham added, “We are proud to launch our own state-based marketplace that allows New Mexicans to easily purchase affordable health coverage.”
Kentucky’s Governor Beshear was also excited to announce the transition, touting the fact that the expansion will help improve the health of consumers in the state. “We can’t succeed in building a better Kentucky if our people are not healthy and ready to work. kynect was a lifesaver for so many when it was first offered in 2013 and we’re excited to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to bring it back and make sure all Kentuckians can easily access the health plans and benefits they deserve.”
CMS Supporting Transition to State-based Marketplaces
CMS has long been a supporter of State-based Marketplaces.
“CMS is committed to connecting individuals and families to health coverage. We’re excited to support states – like Maine, Kentucky, and New Mexico – that are working to help their residents find affordable, comprehensive health insurance through State-based Marketplaces,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.
CMS backs those claims up with funding as well. The recently invested $20 million in American Rescue Plan grant funding into State-based Marketplaces. Kentucky, Maine, and New Mexico were all awarded $1 million each. The grants will be used to modernize IT systems and conduct outreach to consumers to make the transition easier.
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