During his “Team Kentucky” update Thursday afternoon, Governor Andy Beshear followed up his “State of the Commonwealth” address held Wednesday night — and noted he’s “pushing, prodding” for the Kentucky General Assembly to include a $100 million proposal for lower healthcare costs through kynect Open Enrollment.
So far, he said roughly 88,000 Kentuckians have enrolled for health coverage just before the January 15 deadline, and calls to Frankfort for help remain consistent and deliberate.
More than 4,500 households, he said, have been contacted since open enrollment began.
Still, more than 100,000 enrolled during the 2025 administrative window.
According to Fox News, however, nine House Republicans have broken from party leadership to advance a vote on a Democrat-led bill extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies that expired at the end of last year.
Their support allowed a discharge petition from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to move forward, setting up a House vote on the bill expected Thursday.
The move is considered a setback for Speaker Mike Johnson, who had argued most Republicans opposed extending the pandemic-era subsidies. GOP moderates backing the effort said party leaders failed to act sooner to prevent sharp premium increases for millions of Americans.
While the bill is expected to pass the House, it is unlikely to advance in the GOP-controlled Senate, where similar legislation stalled in December. Conservatives argue the subsidies are a temporary COVID-era measure with limited impact, while moderates warn that letting them expire will only raise healthcare costs.
In other “Team Kentucky” news:
+ When asked about his thoughts on the matter, Beshear condemned the January 7 Minnesota law enforcement involved shooting, in which 37-year-old American citizen Renee Good was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
+ Beshear said state parks have reported record guest satisfaction in 2025, driven by increased visitor feedback, new digital tools and added security cameras at park front desks.
+ Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman announced $4.8 million in federal grant funding will be available beginning January 12 for organizations serving crime victims.
+ And First Lady Britainy Beshear recognized Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 and encouraged awareness and reporting.
