Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's health insurance exchange announced Thursday it enrolled 208,301 people in health plans during the first open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act, more than double its original goal of 100,000.
Access Health CT reported that 78,713 people signed up with private insurance carriers as of April 13. The rest enrolled in government-funded Medicaid.
"Thanks to the hard work of AHCT, state agencies, community health centers and faith-based organizations, we far exceed our goal and as a result more people have access to more affordable health care," Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said.
When open enrollment ended March 31, Access Health CT had enrolled 197,878 people. But thousands of people left messages with Access Health CT saying they attempted to enroll in person or online but didn't complete their applications.
Over the past two weeks, Access Health CT has made follow-up calls with about 10,000 people to help them through the enrollment process, ultimately increasing the final total of completed open enrollment applications, said Kevin Counihan, CEO of Access Health CT.
Of the 78,713 who signed up for private plans, 78 percent received tax subsidies.
The next open enrollment begins on Nov. 14. Between now and then, residents will be able to shop for coverage through Access Health CT only under special circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, birth, adoption or loss of insurance coverage from an employer.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
