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Mass. Health Connector Officials Say Application Backlog Is Cleared

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts health officials say they've eliminated an application backlog that stood at 72,000 two months ago.

Officials say they have also extended transitional health insurance coverage to 125,000 people, up from 32,000 in February.

The state still faces significant challenges after its bungled launch of the federal health care law here, including getting a functioning health exchange website up and running.

The Connector Board also announced Thursday that while the federal open enrollment deadline is March 31, anyone who has had trouble signing up online for unsubsidized coverage will have extra time.

Those who hit IT troubles while trying to register will be allowed to continue shopping through the Health Connector until April 15, but must choose a plan by that date with a first payment due April 23 for coverage beginning May 1.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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