Note: HFP checked HawaiiHealthConnector.com at 1pm Tues Oct 15, 2013 just as this news release arrived.  The website reads: "This website is temporarily unavailable, please try again later."  UPDATE 2PM: The site now appears to be up and running.  Small Biz plans are not easy to find, but you can see them by entering age and zip code of a 'sample employee' at THIS LINK (now broken).

UPDATE 6pm: The Connector has broken the link provided above.  To compare actual premium rates for Small Biz Group Plans, go to THIS NEW LINK.  Click on "Am I eligible?  Find out now".  Then enter info on tax credit eligibility and click "Calculate."  This will take you to a page where you can enter the age and zip code of sample employees.  Click "SHOW PLANS" to see a comparison screen of available Kaiser and HMSA plans.   

HawaiiHealthConnector.com Opens for Business

News Release from Hawaii Health Connector

HONOLULU, HI October 15, 2013 — The Hawai‘i Health Connector today announced the opening of the health insurance marketplace web component HawaiiHealthConnector.com.  Individuals, families and small business owners can now go to HawaiiHealthConnector.com to create an account online, review health insurance plan options, compare prices and shop for a quality health insurance plan that best meets their needs and their budgets.

“We are pleased to announce that the online Hawai‘i Health Connector is now up and running, and HawaiiHealthConnector.com is open for business,” said Coral Andrews, executive director. “Improvements to the website are coming in the weeks ahead, yet today is significant because, for the first time, residents of Hawai‘i have access to insurance plan and rate information in one place. Anyone wishing to buy health insurance now has the information they need to make a more informed decision and choice,” she added.

"All personal information entered through the online application form is fully encrypted and secure. Safeguarding consumer information is our highest priority."

“We know there is tremendous public interest in enrolling in health insurance and we want people to be able begin the process as soon as possible,” said Andrews. “But we also know that buying health insurance is an important decision – people should take their time, talk to their family members, to their health care provider, and to our trained marketplace assisters before making a final choice. Hawai‘i residents can continue to call our contact center or seek support from the local marketplace assisters on their island to obtain assistance,” she added.

Individuals and families

Everyone who visits HawaiiHealthConnector.com will be able to choose from a range of insurance plan options, compare plan specifics and prices, and select their plan and enroll.  Those who qualify for tax credits will be able to enter information about their income and family size, and HawaiiHealthConnector.com will calculate the amount of their tax credit so they can review the available insurance plans and options with their financial assistance information in mind.

Small businesses

Small businesses will be able to HawaiiHealthConnector.com to set up an employer account, review insurance plan options and choose the plans and levels of coverage they will offer to their employees.

Andrews said that there will be no delays for those wishing to have health coverage by the start of next year. She noted that everyone who completes the enrollment process and pays their first month’s premium before December 15th will see their coverage start on January 1st.

The customer service contact center (877-628-5076) operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week to assist customers with questions.  Language support is available. 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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