Millions are browsing the Obamcare website, but it’s not clear how many are actually signing up. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is cagey about details and says it will have official numbers in mid-December.
Julie Bataille, a spokesperson for the agency, said that 790,00 people in one day used a new tool that allows you to simply look at health plans that are available. But she wouldn’t tell reporters, during a conference call, how many people purchased insurance since Sunday when the rejuvenated website became easier to use.
Instead she offered 4 Tips If You Get Stuck on Healthcare.gov
- If the site doesn’t seem to be working for you, log out and log in again and start a new application. You have to refresh your browser.
- If you need help, try the 24-hour hotline 1-800-318-2596
- You can forget the site and deal directly with an insurance company, agent or broker.
- Once you select an insurance plan, make sure that you pay and confirm with the insurance company that you are signed up.
But all is not well for some who are trying to sign up.
In New Jersey, Brian Kartagener is attempting use Healthcare.gov to get insurance for his wife and two children.
On Tuesday, he was frustrated when he was offered no choices of insurance plans in his state. On Wednesday he said, “The site is working today, but online chat support is clueless. They obviously work off a script.”
At this point, he’s not happy with the plans that he’s finding because they are too expensive. Like others, he needs health insurance and this isn’t fun.
The deadline for applying for Obamacare was extended until December 23 if you want insurance that begins January 1, 2014. But the application process continues until March 15, 2014 for insurance that will start later.
The Obama Administration hopes that 7 million people will sign up by March 15th.
