FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — After months of build-up, Florida residents can start shopping for health insurance on government-run online marketplaces Tuesday as the key component of the Affordable Care Act goes live.
The federal government is facing two major hurdles: fighting the confusion and misinformation surrounding the plan referred to as "Obamacare" and making sure the new technology systems work seamlessly.
The liberal advocacy group Families USA estimates that roughly half of Florida's 3.5 million uninsured residents will be eligible for federal subsidies to help them purchase insurance. But the amount will vary widely depending on income, location, the plan, family size, age, and even tobacco use. Florida residents can choose from 102 plans, the second highest of any state.