New Health Connector Website Launches

Updated at 1:30 p.m.

The new Health Connector website for Massachusetts launched successfully Saturday morning and was working as designed upon launch.

"All right, everyone ready to see this thing go up live? Let's do it," Maydad Cohen, who oversaw the effort, said to applause just before 8 a.m. Saturday.

The new website allows Massachusetts residents to browse health plans, find out what program they qualify for and complete an application during the open enrollment period between Nov. 15, 2014 and Feb. 15, 2015.

They will also be able to compare plans, including premiums, co-pays and benefits. People who meet income eligibility requirements can get help paying for their coverage through the Health Connector or free coverage through MassHealth.

Nearly a year ago, the former site crashed repeatedly and the state spent millions of dollars to launch the redesigned site.

Deputy Medicaid Director Robin Callahan said the governor's involvement in the redesign meant a lot to the team building the site.

"I think that's one of the things we didn't have the first time around — a real organizing, strong presence," Callahan said.

Jean Yang, executive director of the Health Connector, said she's excited about the new site, compared to last year's.

"A difference of night and day, for the very first time we're going to be seeing people getting determined for qualified health plan, real time," she said.

The state expects more than 400,000 people will get their health insurance through this website.

Clarification: This post's headline was updated to reflect the fact that the website appeared successful upon launch, but more information is forthcoming about its performance.

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