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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>MHC_Dec 13 2013 UPDATE.pdf<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>3<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>UPDATE <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Report from the <st1:State w:st="on">Maryland</st1:State>
Health Benefit Exchange about <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:State>
Health <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Connection, the state-based health
insurance marketplace <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3
color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;
color:black'>BALTIMORE</span></font></st1:place></st1:City><font color=black
face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> (December 13,
2013)—This week we are reporting a marked increase in <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>enrollments, with nearly twice as many
Marylanders enrolling in qualified health plans <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>during the week ending December 7 as the
previous week. This represents the most <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>enrollments, by far, in a single week
since the site launched. As we continue to work to fix <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>the remaining technical and operational
issues, we expect to see continued growth. We <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>also want to remind consumers that if
they are not seeking financial assistance, they may <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>enroll in a plan directly through
carriers. A link on the website directs consumers to this <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>option. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Meanwhile, information for thousands of
individuals who have enrolled through <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:State>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Health Connection has been sent to carriers,
and the first bills were mailed to customers <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>this week. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>In addition, this past week we
successfully converted 87,556 people in the Primary Adult <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Care program into full Medicaid
benefits, effective January 1. These individuals -- low <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>income adults who do not have children
and were not previously eligible for full Medicaid <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>benefits, will now automatically have
full coverage. New Medicaid ID cards for those <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>individuals should begin to arrive in
the mail late next week. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Highlights from today’s report
include that, as of December 7: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 3 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> More than 77,000 Marylanders
have created identity-verified accounts, and there have been more than 558,000
unique visitors to the website; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Enrollments in qualified health
plans increased to a total of 5,179 individuals; and <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Counting Medicaid
pre-enrollments, new Medicaid eligible’s, and individuals who have
selected qualified health plans for enrollment, nearly 110,000 Marylanders<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>are on track for coverage beginning January
1, 2014, under the Affordable Care Act. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Weekly Report <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>From October 1 through December 7, 2013,
there have been 558,399 unique visitors to the <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Maryland Health Connection website.
77,809 Marylanders have created identity-verified <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>accounts. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Through December 7, 5,179 Marylanders
have chosen to enroll in private health plans <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>through Maryland Health Connection. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>As of the end of November 2013, 87,866
Marylanders have signed up through the Primary <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Adult Care (PAC) program to be
automatically enrolled in Medicaid coverage on January 1, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>2014. Through December 7, 16,496
Marylanders have been found eligible for a Medicaid <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>program through Maryland Health
Connection.1 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>1 In early reports, we included
Marylanders who chose managed care plans among “enrollments.”
Because Medicaid <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>coverage does not require plan selection
(unlike coverage through qualified health plans), the eligibility determination
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>is a better representation of
anticipated insurance status than plan selection for this population. Some of
these <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>individuals may need to present
additional documentation before coverage is effective, and others may turn out
to <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>already have Medicaid coverage. Actual
new enrollment in Medicaid will be reported after January 1. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/3taxdptQk6hO8kDQ1HdfX8Nvm2yIAeyTUmvq4uo_urdXA_MzKlsaHVHflbDwldJ7BHX2QMbLhHdgGwa8OlqtBe0xnQSgalyui7Q4jv1IFaSYOEibSse1wWOCAA<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Combining new Medicaid, PAC Medicaid
enrollment, and qualified health plan enrollment, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>nearly 110,000 Marylanders are on track
to receive health coverage starting January 1, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>2014, under the Affordable Care Act. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/YaSZP5SK4gUyAJBND8QPbe5MS1ki_rSqo34oXnoZScKlu54PGaDhrCCtTFVri4FGBByOd_TF5be8rUYuZaeB5jSp5rbBGWsencRU-BCjTr2r97Mvbg7ZdsZNjw<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Information for Users of Maryland Health
Connection <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Many Marylanders are now able to
navigate the website through the entire process; they <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>can establish accounts, find out about
eligibility for Medicaid and subsidies, shop for plans, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>and choose to enroll. Many of the
technical glitches most frustrating to consumers have now <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>been fixed, and we continue to work to
address others that continue to cause difficulties for <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>some Maryland consumers. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>As more people learn about their health
coverage options and the consumer experience on <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>the website improves, enrollment through
Maryland Health Connection into more than 60 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>medical and dental plans will increase.
We anticipate that as many as three-fourths of <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>individuals and families enrolling in
private health coverage through Maryland Health <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Connection will qualify for tax credits
and other assistance to reduce their costs. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Options when having trouble: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 4 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Visit<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>the<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Consumer Information Update page<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>for important notices before beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>These notices include advice on how to
navigate some of the issues on the website <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>as we work to address them. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Try again at a later time. At
times of peak usage, heavy volume can still cause errors and delays. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Call the Consumer Support
Center toll-free at 1-855-642-8572 to discuss the issue or start an application
by phone. In response to high call volumes,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>additional staff are being trained to
provide additional customer support. Hours of operation are Monday through
Friday, 8 am. - 8 pm., Saturday 8 am.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>- 6 pm., and Sunday 8 am. - 2 pm. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Talk to a<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> consumer assistance worker<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>or authorized insurance agent for <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>assistance. The link to contact
information for connector entities in each of the <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>State’s 6 regions can be found on
the<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Prepare for Enrollment<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>page which is <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>accessible from the landing page at the
front of the website, or under the <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Individuals <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>and Families<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>tab under the heading of “Consumer
Assistance.” In-person <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>assistance is available statewide
through six Connector organizations and 50 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>supporting grassroots organizations that
employ 158 navigators and 171 assisters. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Feedback: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>If consumers using the site run into any
issues and want to provide feedback, they <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>can do so via the link found on the<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Consumer Information Update<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>page. Information <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>from users is sent to Maryland Health
Connection’s technical team working to <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>improve the user experience on the site.
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Website availability: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> As the technical team continues
to improve the experience of using the website, it may from time to time be
temporarily unavailable. In addition, in order<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>to perform routine maintenance, certain
functions may be unavailable from 11 pm. to 5 am. daily. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Insurance Producers: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> More than two thousand
insurance agents in Maryland have completed training to sell qualified health
plans through Maryland Health connection. A weekly<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>communication to all authorized
insurance brokers provides details about system updates and news to increase
efficiency and address issues. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Spanish language: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> A Spanish language website will
launch in two phases to meet the needs of Maryland’s Latino community.
The first phase of the launch, which went live<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>in November, includes the information
resources section of MarylandHealthConnection.gov where information, updates,
outreach and resources are available.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>The second phase of the Spanish language
website expansion includes the application portal. This functionality will
launch during the first quarter of<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>2014 and includes account creation,
application, shopping and enrollment. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Accessibility for persons with
disabilities: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Consumer information materials
will soon be available in Braille and large print. More information about when
the website will be compatible for blind<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>consumers’ software will also be
provided soon. Consumers seeking services for the deaf or hard of hearing may
call the Consumer Support Center toll-free<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>at 1-855-642-8573. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Outreach: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Outreach continues throughout the state
seven days per week to educate <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>consumers about their health coverage
options. Grassroots outreach events are <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>scheduled and available on
MarylandHealthConnection.gov under the <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Calendar of <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Events<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>for consumers to visit and speak
directly with navigators and assisters in their <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>local communities. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Security of information on website: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Maryland Health Connection,
supported by experts in IT security at government agencies and through our IT
team, has taken many steps to assure the security<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>of the data entered on the website. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Accessing information about health plan
benefits, rates, and providers before <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>creating an account: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list of 1 items<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>We have posted a webpage,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Prepare for Enrollment<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>which provides information on <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>plans, shows sample rates for a range of
scenarios, and provides instructions on the <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>documents needed for the application for
financial assistance. In addition, a<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> Provider <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>Search Tool<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>which is accessed through a link on the
“Prepare for Enrollment” page, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>allows consumers to search for a doctor
and find out the plans in which their doctor <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>participates. A link to this tool is
also made available to consumers during the actual <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>plan selection process. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>list end<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'>###<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Yasmin Reyazuddin <br>
Aging & Disability Services <br>
Montgomery County Government <br>
Department of Health & Human Services <br>
401 Hungerford Drive (3rd floor) <br>
Rockville MD 20850 <br>
240-777-0311 (MC311) <br>
240-777-1556 (personal) <br>
240-777-1495 (fax) <br>
office hours 8:30 am 5:00 pm <br>
Languages English, Hindi, Urdu, Braille <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;color:black'>This message may contain protected health
information or other information that is confidential or privileged. If you are
not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return mail and
destroy any copies of this material. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;color:black'>Thank you.</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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