State Reports 40,000 Health Connector Signups By Deadline

Massachusetts officials say about 40,000 people met a deadline for enrolling through the state's Health Connector for insurance starting on Jan. 1.

The enrollment deadline was Tuesday, though the state gave people who have selected a health care plan but not yet paid their first month's premium an extension until Sunday to do so.

In addition to the 40,065 who have signed up and paid, another 34,138 have selected plans but not made payments. A spokeswoman for the Connector says some have transitional coverage that runs through January, so may not be required to pay by Jan. 1 to avoid a gap in coverage.

Officials say nearly 235,000 people have determined their eligibility for coverage under the Affordable Care act since the state's revamped website launched on Nov. 15.