Today I attended a national government information technology conference. One of the sessions was a panel of directors in charge of implementing the websites and call centers for the exchanges which went live on October 1. The topic of the session was ACA – Open Enrollment Week One. The IT directors of three states shared their experiences and their challenges, getting the websites up and running on time and ready for the onslaught of the public.
We all know it didn’t go smoothly. We know some websites were down or crashed and some phone lines didn’t get answered. But we all know too that the exchanges were open for business and throngs of people lined up to find coverage.
When the audience asked about what the most rewarding part of their jobs was, one of the directors said that he kept hearing how grateful many customers were that they finally were able to sign up for coverage. They had been denied coverage in the past either for pre-existing conditions, or because the premiums were more than they could afford. All of a sudden the doors were open and they could sign up. Even though coverage would not even start until January, they were already ecstatic that it was coming – they just had to wait a few months.
Estimates are that there are 48 million Americans uninsured. I believe that some of these people really do not want insurance, but I also believe that those are the minority. The vast majority of those 48 million are eager and excited to be able to join the ranks of those of us who don’t even know what it’s like not to have insurance – like myself.
My husband and I were in Omaha last month and when a talented craftsman (potter) learned we were from Canada, he said, sneeringly — Socialism.
Yes, we said, like your fire department, roads… he said, “Health care insurance is unamerican. I’m not going to get it. I’m 48 and feel fine. I take vitamins.”
My husband said, “Good luck with that. Let’s see how you feel when you need an operation that will bankrupt you.” He had no reply.