Consumers will now have an extra week to register for health coverage under the affordable care Act, if they want coverage to begin January 1st. The Obama administration announced that it would extend the deadline until December 23. The decision gives consumers more time to compare coverage options and enroll. The initial deadline to complete the registration was set for December 15.
The move highlights the sensitivity of the time and the pressure of the Obama administration and Democrats to get health insurance exchanges the law and running successfully. Officials cited difficulties with the federal exchange website, HealthCare.gov within, and think the change will help accommodate the crowds estimated using federal and state trade in the coming weeks.
Moreover, the Obama administration announced that starting next year, it will delay the start of the enrollment period for those who buy insurance and individual companies small to mid-November, rather than mid-October. The open enrollment period begins November 15th 2014 and will last until January. The spokesman of the White House Jay Carney added: "It gives more time to assess the pool of people who get insurance through the market and then make decisions on what the rate will look like in the year come. "
Although the decision aims to simplify life, some analysts said the change of date could actually pose a challenge to some consumers devoid of health insurance. by extending the enrollment period to overlap the holiday season, consumers with a lack of disposable income might feel conflicted between buying health insurance and buying gifts. the companies' insurance may also find it more difficult to process registrations in time for coverage to begin January 1.
What are your thoughts on the decision to postpone the registration deadlines? Is it harmful to consumers and insurance companies more help?
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