Opening Day, Despite Shutdown

Certainly officials did not envision launching the first day of open enrollment on the health insurance exchanges during the first government shutdown in 17 years.  But while the Department of Health and Human Services has furloughed over half of its employees, health insurance exchanges across the country are set to begin taking applications from consumers today.

Despite being overraught with delays and system issues due to heavy traffic, federal- and state-run exchanges alike, from now through March 2014, can now enroll individuals and small businesses in health plans that cover essential benefits, pre-existing conditions, and more. Those experiencing problems accessing the online marketplace can also enroll by phone, 24/7, by calling 1-800-318-2596.

Step-By-Step Online Enrollment Instructions for Individuals:

1. Log on to www.healthcare.gov
2. Choose "Individuals & Families"
3. Watch the brief video on the right, then click "Apply Now" on the left.
4. Select your state, in the middle of the screen. If you state is running its own exchange, a green button will appear directing you to your state exchange website (i.e., Covered CA, if you live in California). (However if you live in a state whose exchange is being operated by the federal government, another green "Apply Now" button will appear instead.)

• Click "Start Here," a yellow button in the middle of the screen.
• Choose from Individual, Employer, or Employee.
• Click "Apply Now."
• Click "Set up an account."
• Agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box.
• Enter your account information.
• Begin perusing health plans.

No matter which state you're from, be prepared to wait! There are many people visiting healthcare.gov, so you may be put "on hold" until the website sends to you to the Log In page. (I waited about 6 minutes.)