Yesterday, the October and November enrollment numbers were released – the numbers are still far behind Connect for Health Colorado goals. While the exchange’s goal is 136,000 by March 2014 (the sign-up deadline), the October and November enrollment stands at 9,980, well below the 11,000 goal through November 13th. The Denver Post even noted the terrible numbers:
“The exchange totals are still far behind the board’s worst-case projections for this point in the new program.”
The top reason? The young, healthy people aren’t signing up. That’s right, the folks who are bankrolling this entire boondoggle. They’re not sick, but they have to pay for everyone else who is. It’s shocking (not really) that they aren’t signing up in droves for more expensive, less expansive plans.
According to the Connect for Health Colorado press release issued yesterday, the team is pleased with the results, which we find hard to believe.
“The pace of enrollments is increasing, including one day last week when close to 600 people signed-up for private health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado,” said Patty Fontneau, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado. “We are making a strong push for enrollments in December and expect a busy month.”
Wow – 600 people in one day? Still not good enough. While Fontneau is excited about 600 people signing up, but even on their best day (which we assume is the day 600 people signed up), they’re still off-track for enrollment numbers. By a lot. Even if 600 people signed up every day between now and March 31, 2014, the exchange would miss its enrollment goal of 136,000. Between now and March 31st, there are 118 days. If the exchange added 600 new enrollments per day, each and every day between now and the deadline, the exchange would enroll just 79,000 people.
At least there’s one board member who isn’t sugar coating the situation – Dr. Mike Fallon, the lone conservative voice of reason on the board. Here’s what he told The Gazette:
“Those aren’t long-term healthy numbers. Obviously we’re looking for as many young people who have not been insured to enter the marketplace.”
So, just how effective were those bizarre Obamacare ads from ProgressNow again? Is there a Plan B for Obamacare?
I will not comply!!
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before POTUS orders all those young, healthy voters to "SIGN-UP or ELSE!"
And how many taxpayer dollars have been thrown away buying air time advertising this turd on TV? They've stepped up their ad campaign of late.