States mull methods to raise health exchange awareness, provide consumer assistance

News outlets report on developments in California and Maryland.

Marketplace: California Bets Big On Marketing To Spread The Health Care Gospel
California has more uninsured people than other states have people. With that in mind, think about this: By Oct. 1, the state has to have its health insurance exchange up and running, ready to offer an estimated five million people some kind of insurance. However, polls indicate a good portion of the uninsured don't know about the push to recruit them. The state has a lot of ground to cover before the looming deadline, and is banking on an all-out marketing blitz (Shahani, 4/25).

The Washington Post: Maryland Announces Connector Program To Help Enroll Residents Under Federal Health Overhaul
Maryland launched an initiative on Thursday to help residents get health insurance under the federal health care law. Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange announced the start of the Connector Program, which will be funded with about $24 million in anticipated state and federal grants. The money will be used to fund six organizations that will provide consumer assistance and enrollment resources throughout the state (4/25).