Kentucky Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Insurers and Rate Changes

By Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent

Kentucky open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on kynect. Pick a plan by December 15 if you want coverage to start January 1. Molina is leaving kynect for 2027, so only two insurers remain: Anthem and Ambetter/WellCare. Approved rates are up 18.7% on average before subsidies.

This guide covers the key dates, which insurers are selling plans in Kentucky for 2027, how much rates are changing and how to keep your costs down. For free help comparing plans, call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031.

Key Dates for Kentucky Open Enrollment

Date	What happens
November 1, 2026	Open enrollment starts on kynect
December 15, 2026	Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027
January 15, 2027	Open enrollment ends. Later enrollment needs a special enrollment period
After January 15	You need a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period

If you have a plan now and do nothing, kynect may automatically renew you into the same or a similar plan. Auto-renewal can cost you money when rates and subsidies change, so compare first.

Which Insurers Sell Plans in Kentucky for 2027?

Kentucky had three kynect insurers in 2026. Two remain for 2027:

Insurer	2027 status	Proposed average rate change
Anthem (Pathway and Transition networks)	Returning	16.9%
Ambetter/WellCare	Returning	20.7%
Molina	Leaving the Marketplace	Not applicable

Plan choices vary by county. Enter your ZIP code on kynect, or call 888-730-6031, to see which insurers serve your area.

How Much Are Rates Going Up in Kentucky?

Kentucky regulators approved an overall average increase of 18.7% for 2027, before subsidies. About 89,000 Kentuckians picked a kynect plan for 2026.

Molina members should choose a new plan by December 15. See our guide for Molina members.

How Subsidies Work in Kentucky for 2027

The enhanced federal subsidies that were in place from 2021 through 2025 expired. For 2027, premium tax credits are available to households with income from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level that do not have access to affordable employer coverage. Above 400%, there is no subsidy.

Your subsidy is tied to the cost of the second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area. When that benchmark plan goes up, your subsidy usually goes up too. People who earn too much for a subsidy pay the full increase.

If your income is near the 400% line, small changes can make a big difference. See our guide to the ACA subsidy cliff.

Medicaid in Kentucky

Kentucky expanded Medicaid. Adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can generally qualify. Federal work requirements for many expansion adults start in 2027.

See our Kentucky health insurance page.

How to Enroll in Kentucky

• Gather your information: household members, Social Security numbers, income estimate for 2027 and current coverage details.
• Estimate your 2027 income carefully. Your subsidy is based on it, and you reconcile it at tax time.
• Compare plans: look at premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, networks and drug lists, not just the monthly price.
• Check your doctors and prescriptions in each plan's network and formulary.
• Enroll on kynect or with a licensed agent at no extra cost.
• Pay your first premium to start coverage.

Ways to Lower Your Costs in Kentucky

• Compare bronze, silver and gold plans. If your income is under 250% of the poverty level, a silver plan may give you cost-sharing reductions.
• Consider an HSA-eligible bronze plan if you are healthy and want a tax-free savings account.
• Add hospital indemnity or accident insurance to a lower-premium plan to cover big bills.
• Use our open enrollment checklist so you do not miss a step.

Missed Open Enrollment in Kentucky?

After January 15, you can only enroll in a Marketplace plan if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. If you do not qualify, a Kentucky short-term health insurance plan may bridge the gap until next year. See how to buy health insurance after open enrollment.

Kentucky Open Enrollment: FAQ

When is open enrollment in Kentucky for 2027?

November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on kynect. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.

How many insurers sell Marketplace plans in Kentucky for 2027?

Two: Anthem and Ambetter/WellCare. Molina is leaving.

Are Kentucky health insurance premiums going up in 2027?

Yes. The approved average increase is 18.7% before subsidies.

Can I get a subsidy in Kentucky?

Yes, if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level and you do not have affordable employer coverage.

What if I miss the deadline?

You need a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period. Otherwise, you wait until the next open enrollment.

Next Steps for Kentucky open enrollment

Review your 2027 options before December 15, especially if your insurer is leaving or your rate is going up. See our national guide to open enrollment deadlines by state.

Want a licensed agent to help? Call 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, or request a free quote.

Sources

1. kynect (Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange)
2. healthinsurance.org: Kentucky Marketplace
3. ACA Signups: 2027 rate changes, Kentucky

Related Guides

• Open enrollment deadlines by state
• Open enrollment checklist
• ACA subsidy cliff
• If your insurer is leaving

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Coverage options, deadlines and costs vary by plan and state.