Krugman: I give you California.

[NYC_SKP]

2. I wish the website would tell you to enroll by phone. That's what I did. Osama got me set up!

The website alone allows you to shop, then leave your contact information, and that's it.

Frustrated, I considered calling an agent or visiting a walk in service center, the website provides listings for both, but I decided to try by phone.

They opened a third call center in Fresno so I tried it, I called with ear buds as I left for my daily two mile walk.

It was about 30 minutes of terrible hold music, but finally Osama picked up my call!

I had already picked a plan so knew what to say and do, but we did have to make a three way call with my primary care provide to make sure he takes this particular plan, and he does.

So we were all set and THEN Osama looked at the silver plan and suggested that it was a better value for me than the gold that I had selected, at about $100/less per month with the same max out of pocket.

Within an hour, including getting my two mile walk done, I was all set up for insurance beginning January 1 at about a $888/month savings over my current COBRA plan.

Woot!