Governor explores options as residents face SNAP benefit cuts
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WBKO) — As the federal government shutdown continues, Governor Andy Beshear is calling on insurance companies to protect federal workers in Kentucky from losing vital insurance coverage.
“The federal shutdown is having real impacts across our country and our commonwealth,” Beshear said in a statement. “As a state, we’re doing what we can to support the more than 23,000 Kentucky families who are losing income through no fault of their own.”
Department of Insurance (DOI) Commissioner Sharon P. Clark added that affected consumers shouldn’t face the added hardship of losing coverage because they can’t pay their auto, homeowners, life, or health insurance premiums during the shutdown.
Team Kentucky is asking insurers to take immediate protective measures for federal employees, including:
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Deferment on cancellations: Insurers should postpone or withdraw termination notices on or after Oct. 1, 2025, for policies affected by nonpayment. Coverage should continue for at least 30 days or until 30 days after the shutdown ends, whichever is longer. If workers still haven’t received back pay after the shutdown, insurers are asked to extend coverage for another 30 days.
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Payment extensions: Insurers may extend payment deadlines for premiums, co-payments, deductibles, and other charges to ease financial strain. These extensions should allow reasonable repayment periods without creating further hardship once the shutdown ends.
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Repair time extensions: If repairs can’t be completed on time due to the shutdown, insurers should give consumers at least 30 extra days—or more if needed—to finish repairs.
Kentuckians facing policy cancellations due to missed payments can reach out to the Department of Insurance for help.
Because of the shutdown, the National Flood Insurance Program has also stopped issuing new policies, which could delay home purchases for buyers whose mortgage lenders require flood insurance.
To assist, the DOI has released a list of surplus lines insurance companies and brokers offering flood insurance. Those in need can contact the Consumer Protection Division for guidance.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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