OK, don't have a fit: Five thoughts on the Obamacare disaster

[BelgianMadCow]

30. Here's a criticism I haven't seen discussed on DU: narrowing coverage

http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2013/10/obamacare-narrow-networks-how-they-affect-doctor-specialties.html

Lambert here. Most coverage of ObamaCare (ACA) policies available through the Exchanges, especially Democratic-friendly coverage, has focused on the price of policies, rather than their value. This post focuses on value, and shows why the distinction between “in-network” and “out-of-network” coverage is important. At least in the case tested here, insurance companies are shown to “narrow” their networks, and hence the coverage available to their policyholders, to exclude specialties like oncology, cardiology, internal medicine, and neurology.

I thought the full analysis was interesting, but was also wondering whether the selections made are representative. But something to be aware of, I thought. I just didn't want to post it as an OP, I have no bone in the ACA fight and the way DU GD has behaved towards criticism is rather intimidating.

NC also had a piece about the technical problems. As usual, it's very well sourced (including the decision to involve Experian, that was instructive). http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2013/10/obamacare-rollout-what-the-log-in-problems-tell-us-about-more-serious-and-harder-problems-to-come.html

[5] Redundant data electronically and on paper. Experian can’t reconcile the data itself, so it asks johm to send paper verification:

The exchange now insists that my identity be verified by either mailing copies or faxing certain paper documents–driver’s license, passport, deed to the house, etc. I am, again, essentially locked out.

Never mind that this is an onerous requirement, a Kafka-esque bureaucratic requirement. Because look what happens: We now have three copies of johm’s account data running around. We’ve (1) got the data johm entered on the Exchange, stored there — and for two accounts, only one of which (but which?) is valid — and (2) the copy of the data that Experian received amd stored, which may be corrupt, and may also have been changed by the Experian operator, and (3) the paper version of the data. What the system needs to do is get all three of those in synch and keep them that way. What are the odds?

Let’s also remember that all these levels of #FAIL are for what should be the simplest process of all: Logging in to get an account. We haven’t even gotten to eligibility calculation and plan selection yet. Those are more complicated.

And, oh yeah: Why in the name of The God(dess)(e)(s) Of Your Choice, If Any, did the administration make it a requirement to set up an account before comparing plans?** Buying health insurance on the exchanges was supposed to be like buying a flat screen TV, said Obama; but does Best Buy force you to set up an account before searching their home electronics section? Or Amazon? They’d be daft if they did, because they want you making a decision to purchase; customer identity can be captured at the point of sale. And the Federal Exchanges should to the same thing for the same reason.***

Of course, single payer is rugged, robust, proven, and none of this nonsense would be happen. I just can’t imagine why the Democrats when for HeritageCare RomneyCare ObamaCare instead.