Hawaii’s troubled health insurance exchange saw 19,457 unique visitors to its website, completed 1,181 applications and received 1,257 calls at the start of open enrollment on Tuesday.
Despite software problems that prevented consumers from viewing plans and prices, the head of the Hawaii Health Connector said the strong interest in the online marketplace reaffirmed the public’s desire for new health insurance options.
"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," Connector Executive Director Coral Andrews said in a statement.
"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."
Andrews added that Connector employees are working around the clock to provide this service.
The state Insurance Division approved health plans for individuals and small businesses, but the Connector has been unable to load the rates properly on the website and won’t release the information until the problem is fixed.
"We are certainly sensitive to the fact that many folks are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to enroll in health coverage," Andrews said.
"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," she said.
"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."
Andrews did not indicate when the system would be operational.
The Connector is encouraging people to begin the application process and meet with one of the so-called marketplace assisters across the state.
For links to locations of the assisters, known as Kokua, go to hawaiihealthconnector.com.
The exchange will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. Consumers have until Dec. 15 to enroll in insurance coverage that begins on Jan. 1. The six-month enrollment period runs through March.
Call 877-628-5076.
