Older Kansans outnumber younger in health sign-ups

Kansans nearing retirement signing up for health coverage in exchange more than young adults

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A new federal report says more Kansans approaching retirement age than young adults have signed up for health coverage through an online insurance marketplace.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Monday that 34 percent of Kansans who chose a plan via the marketplace through Dec. 28 were 55 through 64 years old. Twenty-seven percent were 18 through 34 years old.

A similar trend appeared in nationwide data. The online marketplace opened in October with a rocky rollout of its website.

HHS said through Dec. 28, about 14,200 Kansans selected a health plan through the exchange, with 74 percent receiving subsidies. Fifty-six percent of the enrollees were women.

The federal government runs the marketplace for Kansas because state officials resisted involvement with the federal health overhaul.