Politics & Government

Report: Connecticut's Online Health-Insurance Marketplace Fastest in Nation

An independent study finds the Access Health CT website produced plan comparisons within four steps, the best in the nation.

A news release from Access Health CT:

An independent report issued Friday found that Access Health CT, Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, provided the quickest online shopping experience for consumers of any state exchange nationally.  

HealthPocket, an independent firm that analyzes and compares health insurance plans across the country, found that “Connecticut's exchange, Access Health CT, was able to produce plan comparisons within 4 steps.  In comparison, the states using the federal exchange required nearly four times as many steps to produce a health plan comparison page.”

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It is gratifying to receive recognition for our focus on the customer experience,” said Kevin Counihan, CEO of Access Health CT.  “Like all states, Connecticut is focused on making the shopping and enrollment process as simple and transparent as possible.  We have more to do, but we are off to a good start.”

To compile this analysis, a team of testers visited each state health insurance exchange web site between October 11, 2013 and October 15, 2013. The various web sites were not visited on the same day within this time period. Online functionality and phone support for individual and family insurance plans were evaluated.

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The report’s analysis states that the number of steps required to obtain information on comparing individual health plans is directly related to a consumer’s inclination to abandon the shopping process. By making the information easily accessible, and quickly, consumers are more likely to complete the shopping experience and enroll in a health plan.

“Providing a stable enrollment system and simplifying the shopping experience were initial priorities for our exchange, said James Wadleigh, Chief Information  Officer for Access Health CT.  “We remain committed to helping consumers with their shopping and enrollment process online, on the phone and through our broker and in-person Assister programs.”

Consumers can begin their shopping process, and enroll in a plan, by visiting www.accesshealthct.com or via the Access Health CT call center at 855-805-4325.


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