Kansans have another option to investigate health insurance plans offered in marketplace

Kansans unable to access HealthCare.gov now have another way to check out their health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act.

The Kansas Insurance Department has added new features to its InsureKS.org website that allow residents to see how much the new insurance plans cost and find out where they can get assistance in their communities.

Most residents of the 36 states that, like Kansas, opted not to create their own marketplaces and use one operated by the federal government have been unable to enroll for insurance because of technical problems with the federal site. People in states with their own marketplaces have reportedly had greater success in signing up for coverage.

InsureKS.org already allowed users to estimate how much they would pay for a new plan and the amount of the tax credit they would receive, but now they can get details on the specific plans and benefits offered in their county. They also can find out where the health insurance agents, navigators and certified application consultants are located in their area. Kansans, however, can’t sign up for the insurance on the site, which doesn’t ask for any identifiable information.