MEDIA RELEASE

Executive Director Coral Andrews has announced strong consumer engagement for the opening of the Hawaii Health Connector marketplace.

The level of engagement reaffirmed the public interest for new health insurance options.

The Connector logged 19,457 unique visits to the site, completed 1,181 applications, and received1,257 calls connected at the contact center on the first day.

Kokua (marketplace assisters) are available from now through March 2014. They are answering questions and helping consumers understand their choices and options.

In addition, the Hawaii Health Connector can be reached at 877-628-5076 and will be operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

Consumers have until Dec. 15, 2013 to enroll in insurance plans that begin Jan. 1, 2013, the earliest date that plans are available through the Connector.

Coral Andrews said:

“We continue to work collaboratively with both our state partners and health insurers to make certain that consumers will have access to accurate plan and rate information in a secure online marketplace. Like many health marketplaces across the nation, we are working in earnest to add functionality in the coming days and weeks. When it comes to a family’s or small business’s budget and health care, we are focused on getting it right.

Please know that we are working around the clock and remain committed to providing this service to the community. We are certainly sensitive to the fact that many folks are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to enroll in health coverage. We encourage them to begin the application and schedule an appointment with one of our many Kokua assisters across the state.

Each individual and small business scenario is unique so it is paramount that multiple scenarios must be tested to assure accuracy of plan and price information. When this critical aspect of our system is fully functional and validated for accuracy, then we will provide it for consumers to shop and enroll.”

The Connector’s six month enrollment period lasts until March 31, 2014.

The Hawaii Health Connector is the online health insurance marketplace for Hawaii. The Connector was established as a non-profit organization in 2011 by the Hawaii State Legislature through Act 205, in order to comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010.

The Connector’s aim is an online marketplace that is of Hawaii-for-Hawaii, one that takes into account the State’s unique culture and works with the Prepaid Health Care Act, an employer mandate for health insurance coverage in effect since 1974.

—Find out more:
www.HawaiiHealthConnector.com