Business Standard

ObamaCare opens to widespread delays amid more fights at Capitol Hill

The federal site that went on line several hours late as well as the state-run sites that were slow to open

ANI Washington

The opening day of ObamaCare was marked by glitches, as Capitol Hill lawmakers continued their fighting over the law.

The reports of delays and shutdowns caused by glitches were seen across the US.

The federal site that went on line several hours late as well as the state-run sites that were either slow to open.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Democrats continued to blame Republicans for "shutting down the government" by tying a temporary spending bill to delaying the start of ObamaCare.

According to Fox News, House Speaker John Boehner, echoing the argument of fellow ObamaCare critics, said the glitches and delays prove the law is 'not ready for prime time'.

 

However, President Barack Obama and others argued the overwhelming interest in buying insurance on exchanges was a major cause of the delays.

He added that the glitches were only minor delays in the effort to provide access to coverage for the country's estimated 84 million uninsured, the report said.

However, Washington state residents going to their state-run exchange were greeted with the words "Connection Refused."

Officials said the problems impacted only some visitors, but the site appeared down into Tuesday evening.

Gltiches were delays were also seen in Oregon, which has one of the country's 16 state-based exchanges.

Officials had warned earlier this week visitors would need an insurance agent or another third party to sign up in the first several weeks, the report added.

ObamaCare insurance is set to kick in January 1.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Oct 02 2013 | 10:34 AM IST

Explore News