Associated Press Published

W.Va. Health Coverage Marketplace Enrollment Rises

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Enrollment in West Virginia’s health insurance marketplace has jumped by more than 500 percent in the past month.
 
     Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield says about 1,200 West Virginians have enrolled in plans through the federal exchange as of Monday. That’s up from 198 people on Nov. 13.
 
     Highmark is the only private insurer participating in West Virginia’s health insurance marketplace.
 
     Meanwhile, about 75,000 people have enrolled in the state’s expanded Medicaid program, 12,000 more than the state projected.
 
     State officials, Highmark representatives and other stakeholders discussed the programs Tuesday during a meeting in Charleston.
 
     Highmark president Fred Earley says enrollment through the federal exchange increased after the government added enhancements to the website. But he says there are still problems.