Health Connector Experiencing Phone Delays a Week Ahead of Deadline
The Massachusetts Health Connector is reporting a high volume of calls today, resulting in long waits for consumers looking to speak with a representative.
The deadline to enroll through the state connector for health coverage starting Jan. 1, 2015 is Dec. 23. Today’s heightened call volume may partially be a result of a Monday deadline to sign up for coverage through the national HealthCare.gov website. It’s possible Massachusetts residents have heard national reports of the Dec. 15 deadline and are flooding the phone lines today.
It may also have to do with the Monday unveiling of the state’s “report a change’’ function, said connector spokesperson Jason Lefferts. The function allows users who have already applied to edit their application for things like a changed address. But to do so first requires users to touch base with a call center representative by phone to unlock the account.
Plus, even absent confusion over the national deadline, there tends to be more traction as deadlines approach, such as the one coming up on Dec. 23. Lefferts said he “anticipates we will be very busy over the next eight days.’’
In preparation for the likely volume ahead of the deadline, the Health Connector call center is extending its hours on Dec. 23 and will be open the Sunday ahead of it.
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