Across the country from Washington D.C., where officials are trying to clean up the mess that is the federal health insurance exchange, another state is proving that it could be worse.
Almost six weeks after the October 1 launch date, Oregon’s online health insurance exchange, Cover Oregon, has yet to enroll a single person.
The Associated Press explains how plans to build one of the biggest and most complex exchanges that would include 11 insurers selling plans went awry:
“Interviews with state officials and a review of public records by The Associated Press suggest Cover Oregon officials bit off more than they could chew and clung to their ambitious vision even when their risk management consultants raised alarms.
While rushing to get the exchange done, programmers and project managers also were busy with separate complex computer projects for the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Human Services.”
Admitting that the site may not be functional until December, the state is encouraging people to fill out paper applications or fill out PDFs online and send them in. Oregon officials have also announced plans to hire 400 people to help process those applications.
Womp, womp.
