Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Expands Benefits and Program Offerings Within Executive Branch Employment

First Day Health Insurance Coverage and Team Kentucky Internship Program

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2024) - Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Personnel Cabinet Secretary Mary Elizabeth Bailey announced new initiatives to position Kentucky state government as the commonwealth's employer of choice.

Since starting his administration, following years of no significant pay increases, Gov. Beshear worked with the General Assembly to secure four across-the-board pay increases for Executive Branch employees that will total a combined 20% hike by the next fiscal year. His administration has also enacted second-chance employment, expanded telecommuting and ensured no increases in premium costs for employees using the Kentucky Employees' Health Plan since 2022.

First Day Health Insurance Coverage
Today, the administration announced that, starting Jan. 1, 2025, new state government employees will be offered health insurance coverage beginning on the first day of their employment.

"Health care is a basic human right, and that is why this is an extremely important initiative to me," said Gov. Beshear. "I will continue to advocate for accessible, affordable health care for all Kentuckians - including those who are entering a career of public service."

This announcement should result in premium savings for new employees, who previously were on COBRA or bridge coverage between their employment date and the start of new health coverage while paying the entire premium amount. It also will offer new uninsured employees the opportunity to obtain health insurance coverage quickly.

"The Kentucky Employees' Health Plan offers robust and comprehensive coverage options for our members," said Chris Chamness, commissioner of the Department of Employee Insurance. "We are excited that state employees will be able to utilize the benefits and programs available to them through our health plan as soon as possible, without any delay for necessary health care."

Historically, health coverage for state employees has begun on the first day of the second month from an employee's date of hire. To learn more about the benefits available to Kentucky Employees' Health Plan members, please view the Benefits Selection Guide, found here.

"Our administration has strived to make state government an employer of choice in the commonwealth. This is why Governor Beshear and I fought for salary increases for state employees, expanded telecommuting options, encouraged second chance employment and so much more," said Lt. Gov. Coleman.

Team Kentucky Internship Program
The Kentucky Personnel Cabinet is now accepting applications for the inaugural Team Kentucky Internship Program, an exclusive opportunity for college students considering a career in public service.

"It is imperative that we invest in the next generation of public servants in the commonwealth and engage them in what opportunities are available within state government," said Gov. Beshear. "This opportunity will give them a glimpse into how the Executive Branch operates while also allowing them to form a professional network with mentors and state officials."

During this program, participants will partake in professional development workshops and will contribute to meaningful work within each of the Executive Branch cabinets. This is a paid internship, and participants will be able to leave this program with resume-enhancing job experience.

Team Kentucky interns who successfully complete the requirements, including the 300 working hours throughout the duration of the program, will also be eligible to receive interview preference for future employment within the Executive Branch.

"My interest in state government started when I began working for the state as an intern almost 30 years ago," said Secretary Bailey. "Because of my own journey in state government, I am passionate about engaging Kentuckians of all ages and backgrounds in our workforce, showing them the incredible opportunities that await them and the potential that they have through pursuing a career in public service."

Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited Kentucky post-secondary school or other educational institution approved by the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet and be in good standing with the school with at least a 2.5 grade point average at the time of hire.

High school students who are enrolled in college-level courses with a 2.5 GPA may also qualify and apply to participate in the program.

Interested students can apply today. To learn more about this program and to submit your application, visit TeamKYIntern.ky.gov.

Both the expanded benefit and internship program will be paid for within the existing Executive Branch budget.

There are many career paths available to those interested in state government employment. Within the Executive Branch, there are over 1,100 job classifications among 30,000 employees in ranging fields of interest. This includes jobs such as nurses, attorneys, highway technicians, environmental scientists, chaplains, park rangers and so much more. To browse all current career opportunities, visit careers.ky.gov.

Editor's note: Click here to view a video message from Lt. Gov. Coleman

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