Under fire, 'Obamacare' going live _ with glitches

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Expect the rollout to get off to a slow start, with some bumps.

People who don't have access to job-based health insurance can start shopping right away for subsidized private policies. Or they can wait to sign up as late as Dec. 15 and still get coverage by Jan. 1. Many will probably want to see how it goes for the first wave of applicants before they jump in.

Glitches are likely to pop up in the new online insurance markets. Over the weekend, several states were still struggling to get plan information to display accurately on their websites. Earlier, the federal government announced delays for small business and Spanish-language signups. A protracted government shutdown could slow needed technology fixes.

Consumers also could run into problems getting their right subsidy amounts. People with complicated tax returns and extended families living under the same roof could find they need personal assistance to work out the issues. Referrals to state Medicaid programs might go smoothly in some states, not so well in others.

"As this unveils, it is going to be very clear that everything can't be done on a computer," Christine Ferguson, director of Rhode Island's marketplace, said in an interview prior to the launch. "But by Day 60 to 120, and the year after that, it's going to get a lot more user-friendly and effective."

Eventually, at least half the nation's nearly 50 million uninsured people are expected to get coverage through the Affordable Care Act, either through subsidized private plans sold in the new markets or an expanded version of Medicaid in states accepting it for low-income adults. Immigrants in the country illegally will be the largest group remaining uninsured.

People who do have access to employer-based plans will also see changes. Starting Jan. 1, virtually all Americans will have a legal obligation to carry health insurance or face fines. Passing up the company medical plan in exchange for a bigger paycheck may no longer be an option. But employees who lose their jobs, entrepreneurs starting their own businesses and people in between school and work could have an easier time getting coverage.

Also as of Jan. 1, a pre-existing medical condition will no longer be a barrier to getting health insurance.

A partial government shutdown, driven by Republican opponents of increasing the federal role in health care, will not stop what they call "Obamacare." Core provisions and benefits are shielded from annual budget battles. If other government services are shut down, the health care overhaul can largely keep going — much like Social Security and Medicare.

"Shutdown or no shutdown we're ready to go," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Monday. Federally operated markets in 36 states open at 8 a.m. Eastern time. The remaining states are running their own markets.

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20130930/US-Health-Overhaul/

[MyLittlePony 340]

Our freedom is slowly going down the drain now we are forced to pay for something we dont need.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

[MyLittlePony 340]

So very pro Obama i feel sorry for you maybe not.

[Darnell 8,478]

I tried it, at 00:15 EST, got a big error message.

If yer watching c-span1 at the moment, the error was covered about 2 minutes ago. Fun !

[RGinWA 816]

A huge program with a glitch? Say it ain't so.

Why would any human want health care?

This government is out of control!

How dare they promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity?

It's unconstitutional!

[Novembro 1,763]

I have to ask here because my other main forum is full of idiots, but is this "shutdown" actually going to affect anything immigration-related?

[RGinWA 816]

I have to ask here because my other main forum is full of idiots, but is this "shutdown" actually going to affect anything immigration-related?

It's a big fat unknown at this point. USCIS is paid for by fees, but Embassy's are not solely financed by services.

I don't think anyone knows for sure.

[bluetraveller 4]

I have to ask here because my other main forum is full of idiots, but is this "shutdown" actually going to affect anything immigration-related?

I don't know, I'm trying to find out. I got this from cnn.com:

If you need a visa

Because consular services at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are largely funded by application fees, not annual appropriations, visa applications filed by foreigners wanting to enter the United States will continue to be processed, according to the State Department.

So applying that logic, and considering that all our visa journeys are largely funded by application fees, I'd say it should be fine. But I'd like to hear more reassurance.

Edited October 1, 2013 by bluetraveller

[Novembro 1,763]

Okay, that's what I thought, but when I asked the same question, I was met with a lot of "ur dumb lol obama sux lol".

Oh you guys.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Essential and emergency services will continue despite the shutdown.

Government Shutdown Notice

Due to the Federal Government shutdown, NOAA.gov and most associated web sites are unavailable. However, because the information this site provides is necessary to protect life and property, it will be updated and maintained during the Federal Government shutdown.

[bluetraveller 4]

"97% of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will stay on the job."

according to this Wikipedia article: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_government_shutdown_of_2013

[JohnR! 5,495]

Our freedom is slowly going down the drain now we are forced to pay for something we dont need.

In the US and in the context of health insurance that is nothing new, really.

As a tax payer and carrying health insurance for years, I have been forced to pay for the cost of health care of all the deadbeats who use medical services at ER and hospitals all over the country and leave their bills for us to pay. Unfortunately, by law, hospitals and ERs cannot refuse treatment to anyone based on their ability to pay.

At long last, the ACA will ensure that those who can pay do so, thus freeing the rest of us from having to pay for something we don't need, as you point out.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

In the US and in the context of health insurance that is nothing new, really.

As a tax payer and carrying health insurance for years, I have been forced to pay for the cost of health care of all the deadbeats who use medical services at ER and hospitals all over the country and leave their bills for us to pay. Unfortunately, by law, hospitals and ERs cannot refuse treatment to anyone based on their ability to pay.

At long last, the ACA will ensure that those who can pay do so, thus freeing the rest of us from having to pay for something we don't need, as you point out.

Exactly. And as an added benefit, people that were wanting to buy coverage but were unable to do so because of preexisting conditions are now able to do so. I could care less about those that can get insurance for themselves but rather get a free ride offloading their health care cost onto me and my family. Man up, I say and take responsibility for yourself and your family.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Exactly. And as an added benefit, people that were wanting to buy coverage but were unable to do so because of preexisting conditions are now able to do so. I could care less about those that can get insurance for themselves but rather get a free ride offloading their health care cost onto me and my family. Man up, I say and take responsibility for yourself and your family.

To be sure, the GnOP is all for personal responsibility except for when it is not their idea.

Obama hit it on the nail when he said than once the ACA proves to be successful, the GnOP will no longer call it Obamacare...