Maryland Health Care Exchange Works Out Kinks, Offers Enrollment Events

Some online glitches haven't prevented thousands from browsing health insurance options on the Maryland Health Connection website as part of the Affordable Care Act.

There were 170,000 unique visitors to the site by noon Monday—plus the call center received more than 10,000 calls, and 13,500 people created accounts, according to a report from USA TODAY. 

The Maryland Health Connection site experienced "connectivity issues" on Oct. 1 and some people continue to express frustration with using the site a week after its launch on the Maryland Health Connection Facebook page.

Efforts to help people navigate the website include notices in the form of a Consumer Information Update page containing "advice on how to work around some of the issues on the website." Tips range from which fields are required to notices about routine maintenance and the unavailability of the site during specific hours. There is also a feedback form for those who have used the site.

For some, they just want a "live person" to guide them through the process. In Anne Arundel County, local workshops offer in-person assistance for people to compare and enroll in health insurance plans.

• Click here for a full list of enrollment event locations.
• Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in Annapolis is offering help at the main hospital and at two other locations: AAMC Community Clinic at 1419 Forest Dr. and Stanton Community Center at 92 West Washington St. Call 443-481-1782 for an appointment or visit the financial assistance office in AAMC’s Hospital Pavilion North near the first-floor lobby.
• Additional information provided by the county health department can be found here: Health Care Reform Resources