Health Care Signups Increasing, But Many Unpaid

State officials say the number of people enrolling for insurance through the state's health connector is increasing with a key deadline just days away.

Figures released Friday show that more than 18,000 people have selected, signed up and paid for coverage through the connector beginning Jan. 1. Officials say that's more than double the number from a week ago.

But more than 35,000 people who have gotten as far as choosing plans have yet to pay - which they must do by Tuesday to be covered on the first of the year.

The connector says its call center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to handle consumer questions.

In all, more than 210,000 have used the connector's revamped website since Nov. 15 to determine eligibility for coverage.