The dire predictions of how the Kentucky Health Exchange would be impacted by a shortened enrollment period turned out to be wrong.
Kentucky was one of only two states in the country to see a double-digit rise in the number of folks obtaining health coverage in contrast to predictions of a sharp drop.
John Watkins is acting executive director of the exchange says his staff worked with social media tools and personal outreach to help people find the coverage they need.
“We wanted to eliminate remove any layers between us and the Kentuckians who were consumers,” said Watkins.
In addition to a shorter enrollment period, the budget for outreach was also cut. Watkins said only Rhode Island showed similar gains and that the streamlined process saved money.