Editorial: Online delays signal strong demand

Of course, the slant on most of the news shows was that problems with computer websites and phone lines regarding signing up for “ObamaCare” meant that the program was in trouble.

Far from it.

That logjam simply meant that millions of Americans want to be included in the revised health insurance programs ... contrary to what Tea Party Republicans have been saying for months.

There is a great demand for it, and the overloaded websites and jammed phone lines that frustrated consumers were proof.

In time, of course, the sign-up problems will be sorted out ... provided that recalcitrant states get their act together and abide by the law.

Meanwhile, the ideological battle in Congress goes on, with a small minority of House Republicans able to bring the legislative process to a halt.

In Hawaii and in Oregon, computer problems stymied residents’ attempts to sign up for a second day.

The situation demonstrated what appeared to be exceptionally high interest in the new system.

The sweeping changes under the Affordable Care Act include federal subsidies to make insurance more affordable for low-income consumers and preventing health insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. That will open the door for coverage to many people who have been locked out of the insurance market.

In California, home to 15 percent of the nation’s uninsured, officials took down the enrollment portion of the Covered California website for emergency upgrades.

It was restored at mid-morning Wednesday, and 7,770 people had started applications by then.

The Obama administration hopes to sign up 7 million people in the first year, and eventually cover at least half of the nearly 50 million uninsured Americans through government-subsidized plans and a Medicaid expansion.