Experts Try to Clear Up Confusion About Insurance Reforms

The federal health insurance marketplace has had a stumbling start, but a senior federal health official and other healthcare experts are trying to make a case for why it will still provide benefits to meet a variety of healthcare needs.

Dr. Jaime Torres, regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, yesterday told an audience of students and local residents at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey that the country was badly in need of the Affordable Care Act, the 2010 law intended to expand healthcare access and reduce growth in health costs.

College officials said the event -- attended by roughly 400 people – was aimed at providing clear information about the ACA.

Torres acknowledged that there have been problems enrolling in insurance through the marketplace website, healthcare.gov. He added that the site is “improving,” and noted that people can bypass the website and begin the application process by mail or by phone.

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