BRIAN WITTE
Associated Press
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland is scheduled to open its newly designed health exchange website this weekend, but only for people to shop around for insurance plans.
The opening on Sunday kicks off a more cautious approach to enrollment. That’s after Maryland’s first website crashed almost immediately after opening last year.
Consumers won’t be able to actually enroll in a plan through the new website until Nov. 19. The gradual approach is designed to help fix any potential computer problems that arise.
The second open enrollment period under President Barack Obama’s plan in other states begins Nov. 15. Maryland will hold the first of about 25 sign-up events on that day, when people can get help enrolling.
The state has implemented new website technology Connecticut used in its more successful health care reform rollout.
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