WASHINGTON–A big test is coming this week for Maryland’s revamped health
insurance website.
It crashed last October during the first open season under the federal health
care law, and was never reliable. Over the summer, it was rebuilt for the
second open enrollment period, using the technology behind Connecticut’s
successful health exchange.
Maryland officials say the revamped site is ready to go, but they are leaving
nothing to chance. Instead of opening online enrollment on Nov. 15th like
the rest of the country, Maryland is opting to roll-out its open season in
stages.
The site is already up for those who want to do a little window shopping.
But www.marylandhealthconnection.
gov won’t be taking online applications from the
general public until Wednesday, Nov. 19th. In the interim, anyone who
wants to sign-up for coverage can do so at an enrollment center or by phone.
On Monday, insurance brokers will be able to process enrollments on the site,
and on Tuesday, caseworkers will follow suit.
The idea is to do once last check of the site while it is being used only by
these intermediaries before online enrollment is open to all.
Open season runs until Feb. 15th, 2015, but enrollees must sign up by
December
15th if they want coverage starting Jan. 1.
The Department of Health and Human Services says most people who signed up for
coverage during the initial enrollment period will be automatically re-
enrolled. But those who get a subsidy will have to go through the
enrollment process again if their income or family situation has changed.
HHS is encouraging anyone with coverage under a health exchange to shop
around, look at all the options available, and see if there is a better deal.
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