The state’s staggered approach is different from what will happen elsewhere in the country on Nov. 15, the beginning of the second enrollment period for health insurance made possible by the federal Affordable Care Act. Advocates raised concerns Tuesday that the unusual schedule planned for Maryland could further muddle an already confusing process.
“It’s a communications issue,” said Leni Preston of the Maryland Women’s Coalition for Health Care Reform. “All of the national media is focused on November 15. . . . How confusing is that for consumers when, in fact, that’s not what is happening in Maryland?”
State officials said that having people sign up in stages will enable the state to more easily identify and fix any technological problems with the rebuilt health exchange, which is replacing the deeply troubled Web site that debuted last year and crashed almost immediately.
Maryland officials explained their “kick-off week” schedule Tuesday during meetings in Annapolis and Baltimore.
The Web site will go live Nov. 9, officials said, enabling visitors to browse plans but not enroll. On Nov. 15, state residents can attend an enrollment fair to sign up. The next day, a call center will start to process applications. The following day, insurance brokers and navigators can sign up their customers.
