Some glitches seen in deadline week for health care sign-ups

WASHINGTON - Consumer advocates reported some glitches Monday in the final days for Affordable Care Act sign-ups, although the Trump administration largely seemed to be keeping its promise of a smooth enrollment experience.

In Illinois and some other states, some consumers who successfully completed an application for financial assistance through HealthCare.gov got a message saying they would likely be eligible to buy a health plan, "but none are available to you in your area."

That information was incorrect because every county in the nation currently has at least one health insurer offering plans under the Affordable Care Act for next year.

Friday is the last day to enroll for subsidized private coverage in 39 states served by the federal HealthCare.gov website. Consumer interest has remained brisk, even as the Trump administration cut the sign-up season in half, reducing it from roughly from 90 days to 45 days.

Obama weighs in

Former President Barack Obama offered encouragement Monday for the closing push, posting on social media and joining a conference call with enrollment counselors.

Obama accused "Republicans in Washington" of trying to "sabotage" progress made reducing the number of uninsured. The U.S. people "don't want a health care system that's sent into chaos just for partisan reasons," Obama said, according to a transcript from his office.

President Donald Trump came into office looking to dismantle his predecessor's health law, but it survived. Although the administration slashed the ad budget for sign-up season and scaled back grants for enrollment counselors, officials promised the HealthCare.gov website would work seamlessly this year.

Stephani Becker of the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law in Chicago said the glitch in which consumers were told there were no plans was reported by counselors starting late last week.

Trained counselors know enough about the program to question the accuracy of the message, but "the average consumer might just walk away," Becker said.

An administration official said the issue has been resolved, and HealthCare.gov is reaching out to the consumers affected to encourage them to complete their applications. However, Becker said advocates had gotten a similar response from the administration last week, and the problem continued.

Time running out

For millions of consumers eligible to enroll time runs out on Dec. 15. Thursday and Friday are expected to be the heaviest days.

That could slow the HealthCare.gov site and lead to long hold times at the federal call center. For most people, this is the last opportunity to secure coverage for 2018 or switch from an existing plan.

One exception: People living in hurricane-affected areas can get an extension to sign up by Dec. 31 by contacting the HealthCare.gov call center. That could make a difference in states such Texas.