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Health insurance for Owensboro families under 65.
Self-employed, retiring early, between jobs or working somewhere without benefits? You need an individual or family plan. I explain how the plans differ, what the dates mean, and help you choose before the deadline.
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage
kynect, Kentucky’s health insurance marketplace, opens enrollment for 2027 plans on November 1, 2026. The enrollment period runs through January 15, 2027. When you enroll affects when your coverage starts, and in recent years enrolling by December 15 has meant coverage from January 1, so it pays to decide early.
- November 1, 2026
- Open enrollment for 2027 plans begins.
- January 15, 2027
- Open enrollment ends.
Dates from the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange, khbe.ky.gov, checked September 13, 2026. The exchange sets these dates and can change them.
Who needs an individual or family plan
- Self-employed people and owners of very small businesses without a group plan
- People who retire before 65 and need coverage until Medicare starts
- Anyone between jobs, or working somewhere without health benefits
- Young adults aging off a parent’s plan at 26
Outside open enrollment
Certain life events open a Special Enrollment Period, generally a 60-day window, depending on the event. Losing other coverage, moving, getting married and having or adopting a baby are common examples. Medicaid and KCHIP enrollment is open all year for people who qualify.
How plans differ
- Premium
- What you pay each month to keep the plan.
- Deductible
- What you pay for covered care before the plan starts sharing costs, though some services are covered sooner.
- Out-of-pocket maximum
- The most you pay for covered, in-network care in a plan year.
- Network
- The doctors and hospitals the plan works with. Check yours before you choose.
- Metal levels
- Bronze, Silver and Gold describe how you and the plan split costs, not the quality of care.
- Help with premiums
- Depending on household income, tax credits can lower the monthly premium on kynect plans.
What to have ready
- Everyone in your household who needs coverage, with dates of birth
- An estimate of your household income for 2027
- Your doctors and prescriptions
- Any offer of coverage from an employer, yours or a spouse’s
Health insurance questions
Can I buy health insurance any time of year?
Usually only during open enrollment, unless a qualifying life event gives you a Special Enrollment Period. Medicaid and KCHIP accept applications all year for people who qualify.
I am retiring before 65. What do I do until Medicare?
The usual options are COBRA from your employer, a spouse’s plan, or an individual plan through kynect or directly from an insurance company. The best fit depends on cost, your doctors and how long you need coverage.
Does enrolling through an agent cost more?
No. Plan premiums are the same whether you enroll through an agent or on your own.
Can I get help paying my premium?
Depending on your household income, you may qualify for tax credits that lower the monthly premium on plans through kynect. Bring an estimate of your household income for next year and I will walk through it with you.
Pick a plan before the deadline.
Call, or send the form and I will call you back to go over your household, your doctors and your budget.
(270) 302-0524Mike’s direct line