New York Has 40,000 People Already Approved for Health Insurance

The State health officials found that more than 40,000 citizens were eligible, after the health exchange opened a week back.

"This fast pace of sign-ups shows that New York State's exchange is working smoothly, with an overwhelming response from New Yorkers," said Donna Frescatore, executive director of NY State of Health.

The NY State of Health is the states online marketplace for individuals, families and businesses with less than 50 full time employees. People can enroll before 15th December for a cover from 1st of January or before 15th March for coverage for the next year.

The exchange got off to a bumpy start when it opened Oct. 1, with many people unable to get on the website because of high traffic. Frescatore said technicians "continue to make daily enhancements to increase performance."

Navigators who were especially trained for the job helped people to sign up, with the system which became easier. Speaking of the five navigators at the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, Stacy Villagran, director of grants administration, said: "Once they got through, they said, 'Oh my God, this is easy. "

Elisabeth Benjamin, vice president of health initiatives at the Community Service Society of New York, agreed. "The glitches are quickly going away and the feedback looping with the state is definitely better," she said. Community Service Society, of Manhattan, has 10 navigators on Long Island.

Some like insurance broker Eileen Falk of Baranello Associates in Great Neck are still facing problems. She said she has gotten lots of calls from individuals and small businesses but hasn't been able to log in. "It's so frustrating," she said. "Every day I'm getting the same story."

References:

Hannah Punitha (IRDA Licence Number: 2710062)

Ridgely Ochs, October 2013

Source: Medindia