Exchange-offered health insurance gains momentum in WI

Enrollment numbers in Wisconsin for health insurance through the federal marketplace have been booming since the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. 

During the holiday approximately 136 people filled out applications for coverage from a single insurer, nearly the same number that enrolled during the entire month of October. The boost in shoppers is an indication that the Healthcare.gov technical issues have, at least somewhat, been resolved. 

However, the upturn in numbers may not be as encouraging as some hoped. The question now facing President Barack Obama’s administration is if the site will be able to handle the surge in capacity. Applications in Wisconsin increased from 742 on Nov. 27 to 878 as of Dec. 2, according to the Sentinel. 

As the state continues to shift away from Badger Care, the self-contained, high-risk health insurance plan, more than 100,000 Wisconsin residents will need to enroll in a healthcare program, according to WSAU, a state radio station. 

Gov. Scott Walker proposed legislation that if passed would delay the cancelation of healthcare plans that did not meet the Affordable Health Act’s requirements until March. The state assembly is expected to vote on the impending legislature.