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Life Health > Health Insurance > Health Insurance

Users still frustrated with HealthCare.gov

By Kathryn Mayer

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Reports keep coming about problems involving HealthCare.gov.

And now a new survey reveals some numbers — along with anecdotal evidence — about the issues from consumers themselves.

The majority of those who’ve tried to shop for coverage through HealthCare.gov haven’t been impressed: 60 percent of them said they experienced technical issues and/or glitches with the federal exchange website, according to The National Association for the Self-Employed.

And their experience is deterring future visits: More than 30 percent of those who visited HealthCare.gov said they’ve now decided to explore options outside of the exchange.

The organization surveyed nearly 500 small and micro-business owners from across the country from Nov. 7–20.

“The truth is that the self-employed — who fall into the individual marketplace — are finding it increasingly difficult to not only navigate HealthCare.gov. They do not believe they will be able to access affordable health care in 2014,” said Katie Vlietstra, director of government affairs for NASE. “This frustration is pushing many to look for alternative options for health care and our fear is that this number will grow.”

The survey found that nearly 60 percent of respondents believe there is a “low” or “very low” chance they’ll be able to secure both “affordable and comprehensive” coverage in 2014. Almost 17 percent of respondents indicated they’d be forgoing health insurance altogether next year over price. 

The survey did note that nearly 9 percent of those able to visit the site reported they’d enrolled successfully in a health insurance plan.

But for the most part, at least for those in the individual market, the exchange shopping process has been frustrating at best, NASE said.

“I have found the new health care system incredibly confusing and fraught with misinformation,” Marla Duran, owner of Marla Designs in Pennsylvania, said in a statement provided by NASE. “From increasing health care premiums to cancelation letters, small business owners need more time to explore our options with this new program.”

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