Six Questions About HealthCare.gov’s Future

by Charles Ornstein

D-Day for HealthCare.gov is upon us.

The federal health insurance marketplace for 36 states has undergone round-the-clock fixes during the past eight weeks after what could only be characterized as a disastrous launch. Obama administration officials have promised that it will work better by month’s end (read: now) for the “vast majority of users.”

There’s little doubt the site is working better today. Users report that it’s faster and has fewer errors. Practically every day, the Obama administration reports progress.

But it’s unclear whether the improvements are enough to salvage the Affordable Care Act’s central element and ensure consumers can get coverage before Dec. 23, the deadline to sign up for benefits that begin on New Year’s Day.

Here are six big questions:

Editor’s Note: This post is adapted from Ornstein’s “Healthy buzz” blog. Has your insurance been canceled? Have you tried signing up for coverage through the new exchanges? Help us cover the Affordable Care Act by sharing your insurance story.

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