State insurance department launches website about health plans

The Kansas Insurance Department has launched a new website to help answer questions about the Affordable Care Act and the new online marketplaces, according to a news release.

The website, www.InsureKS.org, includes a cost calculator that uses rate information specific to Kansas for the new online health insurance marketplace, according to Linda Sheppard, special counsel and director of health care policy and analysis for the department.

The marketplaces will begin open enrollment on Oct. 1. As part of the Affordable Care Act, nearly everyone will be required to have health insurance starting Jan. 1, 2014, or face a tax penalty.

Four companies are expected to offer plans on the online marketplace in Kansas: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas; Blue Cross of Kansas City; Coventry Life and Health and Coventry Health Care of Kansas.

The website also includes resources for assistance in enrollment and dates and times for upcoming meetings the insurance department is planning across the state.

This story was originally published September 9, 2013 at 10:24 AM with the headline "State insurance department launches website about health plans ."