Thu,Nov 14,2013
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Wednesday said only 106,185 people signed up for coverage in the problem plagued healthcare insurance exchange since it was launched on Oct. 1.
According to the figures, fewer than 27,000 signed up in the 36 states relying on a federal website HealthCare.gov, while more than 79,000 signed up in the 14 states and Washington D.C. running their own exchange websites.
The number is far lower than the projected 494,620 people who would enroll in the first month. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement that officials "expect enrollment will grow substantially throughout the next five months," and as the problems with HealthCare.gov are being fixed.
According to the figures, interests in another healthcare reform item, the Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, has been higher, as about 396,261 people have been determined eligible. The program aims to provide insurance plan to low income Americans.
High profile failures of HealthCare.gov, an online marketplace for health insurance policies, has been hampering the enrollment, and the White House is trying to fix it.
Luxury-cars parade held in Dubai
Special forces take tough training sessions
Fire guts 22-storey Nigeria commercial building in Lagos
A girl takes care of paralyzed father for 10 years
A record of Beijing air quality change
In pictures: explosions occur in Taiyuan
Live a harmonious life in Pu'er, SW China
Weekly Sports Photos
Gingko leaves turn brilliant golden yellow in Beijing
Maritime counter-terrorism drill
Loyal dog waits for master for six months
The catwalk to the world of fashion 
China in autumn: Kingdom of red and golden
National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Living in an urban village: 'Iron-digger' Xiong SansanDay|Week|Month
