First, let me say that, as far as I'm concerned, healthcare.gov is working. This diary describes a bit of how I got to this point.
I've spent a long time trying to enroll in a plan in my state, Florida. I think I've run into most of the problems people have brought up. The solution for most was to just keep trying, at different times of the day and night. However, there were two problems that left me stranded on the side of the road, for weeks. I have no excuse, as I spent almost three decades in IT, repeatedly looking for alternate ways to do things.
The solution to the first problem was repeatedly suggested, but I was trying to “follow the rules”. Like a fool. The second problem was even more easily solved, by ignoring the prescribed method.
Problem 1: I couldn't get past verification. I was initially asked bogus questions, then a really bogus question; what was the name of a pet for whom I'd bought veterinary insurance? That's like asking, what color is your Ferrari? Um... what Ferrari? What veterinary insurance? So I was told I'd failed verification, and needed to contact Experian. Unsurprisingly, Experian never received my reference number. Not in 5 minutes, not in two days, not in three weeks.
Solution 1: Duh. As repeatedly suggested, use a different email (get a new one if necessary), and start over. Worked like a charm.
Problem 2: After filling out everything on the application, I reached the point where I was invited to “View eligibility results”. After clicking on that, I was invited to “View Results” (isn't that what I just clicked on?). And then, a blank page. No info, no text, nothing, zip, nada. And that was the best outcome. Other times, I was presented with a page that said “Let's get started” (on the application). An application which I've already completed.
Solution 2: Duh again. I finally tried this after calling for help, waiting a few weeks, calling and applying over the phone, then waiting two more weeks for further info, which still hasn't arrived. Go back into the online account, get to the “View eligibility results” (or maybe it was the second page, I don't remember), ignore the message saying “You need to review the results before enrolling”, and click on “enroll”. Voila! I'm in. I see the amount of the subsidy I'll receive, I see the plans available, the subsidized cost, a link to allow me to investigate the provider network, a link for details; pretty much all I need.
At this point, the only thing stopping me is myself, as I'm reviewing the plans carefully. And if I encounter another brick wall, I'll kick it down or find a way around it.
Are you stuck? Were you, but got past it through a simple workaround? I'm curious to know what is stopping people at this point.