Susan here, on the Planet Waves editorial team, with two articles written by technologists that shine a different light on the troubles behind the ACA website. President Obama was scheduled to speak about HealthCare.gov at 11:30 a.m. today.
Steven Bellovin, a computer science professor at Columbia University, tells us: “No one should be surprised by the technical problems that have plagued the new health insurance exchange website, HealthCare.gov, which allows millions of Americans to sign up and buy health coverage. Angry, OK. Disappointed, of course. But surprised? Don’t be.”
As for how long it takes to get a relatively bug-free website up and running, a software developer writes on Daily Kos: “If you ever hire a software developer or software team first ask them how long it will take to build an application. Then, when asking this question, know that that developer is a) not sure and b) wants to tell you the shortest time possible for fear that your eyes will pop out when you hear the truth.”
You’re welcome, Judith. I was a programmer earlier in life and was of course not shocked when the thing crashed the first day. Wish Bill Gates or Steve Wozniak would write an editorial somewhere saying how ridiculous it is to have expected this system to work flawlessly from day one. In researching suitable articles to post, I came across one that described the roll-out of Medicare Part D as precisely the same, and it went on to help millions of seniors in short order — how quickly we forget!
So glad you posted these. I had read them previously and they really helped me get a fix on why this turned into such a debacle, much of which we missed thanks to the recent game of shut-down chicken [rightfully] taking priority. Having worked for a software developer/retailer that required a new version each year, as well as per each individual state, I understand trying to beat the clock and I know these things are rarely smooth — but it’s a damn shame to give the Pubs fodder for their paranoia and dissatisfaction. They’re already telling WHOPPERS about this program … Cruz keeps saying it’s making millions of innocent citizens suffer. Bet he can’t name ONE.