Hawai‘i Health Connector Welcomes Consumers to the Marketplace

Statement from Coral Andrews, Executive Director, Hawai‘i Health Connector

News Release from Hawaii Health Connector

HONOLULU, HI October 2, 2013 — Executive Director Coral Andrews today announced strong consumer engagement for the opening of the Hawai‘i 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 received 1,257 calls connected at the contact center on the first day.

Kōkua (marketplace assisters) are available from now through March 2014. They are answering questions and helping consumers understand their choices and options. In addition, the Hawai‘i 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 December 15, 2013 to enroll in insurance plans that begin on January 1, 2013, the earliest date that plans are available through the Connector.

Coral Andrews statement:

“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 Kōkua assisters across the state. Links to their locations are available on our website.

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. For more information about the Connector, please visit HawaiiHealthConnector.com.

About the Hawai‘i Health Connector

The Hawai‘i Health Connector is the online health insurance marketplace for Hawai‘i. The Connector was established as a non-profit organization in 2011 by the Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i-for-Hawai‘i, 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. For more information, visit www.HawaiiHealthConnector.com.

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