When speaking in Boston, Obama was not happy about the technical glitches, though he was vocal in support of the Health Care Law. Earlier, his embattled health secretary apologized to the American people over the botched website rollout.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the largest overhaul of the US healthcare system since the 1960s.This law is popularly known as Obamacare. The main part of the law meant that consumers can shop online on the federal exchange for health policies, which could not happen due to glitches.
Mr. Obama said in Wednesday's speech: "There's no denying it - right now the website is too slow. Too many people have gotten stuck. And I'm not happy about it. And neither are a lot of Americans who need healthcare."
The Health Secretary, Kathleen said, "Hold me accountable for the debacle"
Flawed Obamacare Website Will be Fixed, Says President
Problems with the roll out of a key health website were acknowledged by President Barack Obama.
Advertisement
The President added: "So there's no excuse for it. And I take full responsibility for making sure it gets fixed ASAP. We are working overtime to improve it every day." "Massachusetts has shown the model works," he said.
Mr. Obama praised other benefits of the health law which included government subsidies for health policy premiums and including insurance covers for people with pre-existing ailments. He also took a swipe at Republicans, who view the legislation as a costly, cack-handed and inappropriate government intrusion into healthcare, and have sought to undo or undermine it at every turn.
![Despite Criticism, US Health Official to Defend]( "Despite Criticism, US Health Official to Defend")
Defying critics who have savaged the White House over how the reforms were leaving some Americans uninsured, the top US health official will issue a trenchant defence of Obamacare .
"If they put as much energy into making sure the law works as they do attacking the law, Americans would be better off," the Democratic president said. Addressing Americans, Ms Sebelius took full responsibility for the problems in the web site and said: "You deserve better. I apologize. I'm accountable to you for fixing these problems."
The health secretary, who is facing Republican calls for her resignation, said the website would be fully operational by the end of November. Committee chairman Fred Upton, a Republican, said the project was "inept", adding "the news seems to get worse by the day".
The committee's senior Democrat, Henry Waxman, agreed the launch "has not gone well", but said the "early glitches will soon be forgotten". Mr. Upton also objected to insurance companies cancelling earlier policies of thousands of Americans and having them enroll under Obamacare at higher premiums. This contradicts repeated assurances from Mr. Obama that people who like their existing insurance plans would be able to keep them under the health law.
Ms Sebelius clarified - that those whose plans were dropped would have access under the healthcare law to better insurance coverage at comparable rates. Aside from establishing the federal insurance websites and parallel ones run by 14 states plus Washington DC, the law bolsters coverage requirements for insurance firms, mandates that individuals carry insurance or pay a tax penalty, and offers subsidies to assist in the purchase of the insurance.
The Affordable Care Act also expands eligibility to the Medicaid healthcare program for the poor in states where governors have agreed to it.
References:
Hannah Punitha (IRDA Licence Number: 2710062)
Voice of America, Oct 2013
Source: Medindia
Despite Criticism, US Health Official to Defend 'Obamacare'
Defying critics who have savaged the White House over how the reforms were leaving some Americans uninsured, the top US health official will issue a trenchant defence of Obamacare .
Advertisement
"If they put as much energy into making sure the law works as they do attacking the law, Americans would be better off," the Democratic president said. Addressing Americans, Ms Sebelius took full responsibility for the problems in the web site and said: "You deserve better. I apologize. I'm accountable to you for fixing these problems."
The health secretary, who is facing Republican calls for her resignation, said the website would be fully operational by the end of November. Committee chairman Fred Upton, a Republican, said the project was "inept", adding "the news seems to get worse by the day".
The committee's senior Democrat, Henry Waxman, agreed the launch "has not gone well", but said the "early glitches will soon be forgotten". Mr. Upton also objected to insurance companies cancelling earlier policies of thousands of Americans and having them enroll under Obamacare at higher premiums. This contradicts repeated assurances from Mr. Obama that people who like their existing insurance plans would be able to keep them under the health law.
Ms Sebelius clarified - that those whose plans were dropped would have access under the healthcare law to better insurance coverage at comparable rates. Aside from establishing the federal insurance websites and parallel ones run by 14 states plus Washington DC, the law bolsters coverage requirements for insurance firms, mandates that individuals carry insurance or pay a tax penalty, and offers subsidies to assist in the purchase of the insurance.
The Affordable Care Act also expands eligibility to the Medicaid healthcare program for the poor in states where governors have agreed to it.
References:
Hannah Punitha (IRDA Licence Number: 2710062)
Voice of America, Oct 2013
Source: Medindia
Quiz on Health Insurance
This Quiz is to test your knowledge on health insurance in the U.S, there is so much activity with the new law and building of Health Exchanges - all peaking for a January 2014 deadline.
Advertisement
 | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Health Insurance News
The results highlight the positive impact of Medicaid telemedicine coverage and its implications for policymakers.
Many states in the United States face shortfall in access to mental health treatment, increasing reimbursement rates for behavioral health services in Medicaid.
Medicare beneficiaries face challenges when accessing contraceptive or birth control care, especially long-acting birth control methods.
Medicaid expansion improves access to care and addresses health gaps in the 11 states that have opted against Medicaid expansion.
: Is Medicare beneficiary to oral health? Following enrollment, traditional Medicare and Advantage beneficiaries used fewer dental services.