[efa]

> people who wanted health insurance could finally get it

Maybe I don't understand Obamacare well enough but I don't understand this statement (which I hear all the time on the commercials). Who couldn't get insurance before this website? I know the health care law did add guarantees around pre-existing conditions. So other than that, who couldn't call an insurance company directly (or use esurance or other portal) and sign up for insurance? This website is just a marketplace hooking you up with normal private insurance companies correct?

[mlangdon]

You're not allowed to "other than that" preexisting conditions. I'm one and the ACA means I got to quit my shitty telesales job and take a no-insurance-provided-at-a-small-company first software development job.

There are millions like me who can take risks for the first time, whether that's working for a small company or starting one. And I don't have to worry about the next 40K hospital bill burying me.

[efa]

I understand (in fact I have a daughter with preexisting conditions). But I'm referring more to the web site. There is not magic about the website. The law itself brought in some changes that will help some. You don't even have to use the website to take advantage of new law.

[mikeyouse]

    Who couldn't get insurance before this website?

Poor people.

You can only get the Federal subsidies through the insurance exchanges which was supposed to primarily be online, but had small phone support staff too. The phone support staff was completely overwhelmed due to the website problems, which left thousands with no method to get insurance.

[efa]

Couldn't they have had Medicaid before this?