The once problem-riddled Massachusetts Health Connector website is ready for the enrollment period that starts this Saturday, according to spokesperson Jason Lefferts. An earlier version of the site failed and the state acquired a new one. All together, Lefferts says, the process cost about $255 million, much of it paid by the federal government.
“We’ve been testing the site, it’s been testing well. We know that we have a system that’s going to work, we’ve seen it work in other states. This is a system that’s worked in Kentucky and New York, and we’re bringing it here,” says Lefferts. “So we are confident that starting Saturday, people can go online and sign up for health insurance.”
Anyone who bought coverage on the Connector in the past year, or is now in temporary coverage, will need to submit a new application. Otherwise, they’ll lose their insurance. Lefferts says the state is reaching out to all those affected through mail and phone calls.
New England Public Radio’s Henry Epp and Sam Hudzik contributed to this report.