The computer system that holds the information pertaining to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act isn't up and running and risks not being ready until after October 1, according to a recent report from the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services.
More colloquially known as a "data services hub," the system was slated to be ready for operation by August 5, even though it wouldn't be used in full until the ACA deadline for consumers begins October 1. The early start time was to ensure that it could be tested so that it would run property when the time comes.
According to the report, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is working on a fixed time schedule to make sure that the appropriate measures are in place by the October 1 deadline. Marilyn Tavenner, CMS administrator, recently informed the assistant inspector general that despite the delay, the government is optimistic the system will be in place by the target date, as reported by Bloomberg.
The intricacy and size of the computer system has some consumers as well as business owners that provide employee benefits to their workers fearful about how the government will ensure individuals' privacy. Many of these anxieties are held by those in opposition to the healthcare overhaul, according to Bloomberg.
