The disastrous launch of HealthCare.gov has dominated news headlines for good reason.  Costing some $174 million to build and three years in the making, the website was supposed to facilitate enrollment in the insurance exchanges set up by the President’s health-care law.  Instead, widespread technical failures have discouraged Americans from signing up.

Many warned that the rollout of Obamacare would be a “train wreck.”  So far, those predictions have been accurate.  In addition to problems with online enrollment, the health-care website is raising serious concerns about security risks.  A recently released Administration memo reveals that officials approved the site’s launch despite “uncertainty” about the security of the personal health information of consumers.

‘Crisis of Confidence’

The White House has tried to assure the public that the website will be fixed.  But Americans can plainly see that the faulty online system is just the tip of the iceberg.  Rather than providing more affordable and accessible health coverage, the President’s health-care law has led to higher premiums and millions of canceled insurance plans.  Even fervent supporters are voicing their frustration.  As a senior Democratic senator put it, the many missteps have caused “fear, doubt, and a crisis of confidence.”

The recent congressional testimony of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius did nothing to restore this confidence.  In an exchange with Mississippi Rep. Gregg Harper during a House hearing, she responded with a frustrated “whatever” in agreeing that the President was ultimately responsible for the website’s problems.  In a hearing with the Senate Finance Committee, she said efforts to resolve the website’s glitches are “not where we need to be” and that the first enrollment numbers will be “very low.” 

‘If You Like Your Current Plan ... ’

The Administration’s apologies and attempts to mend broken promises are woefully inadequate and long overdue.  The President repeatedly pledged, “If you like your current plan, you will be able to keep it.”  Now, with policy cancellation notices sent to at least 3.5 million Americans and premiums rising sharply, the White House is scrambling to shift the blame. 

Instead of more rhetoric, Americans deserve the right to keep their health-care plans.  Earlier this month, I cosponsored legislation that would give them that option.  Introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), the “If You Like Your Health Plan, You Can Keep It Act” would hold the President to his word.  Americans should have the ability to choose the health-care plan that is best for themselves and their families.

Mississippi’s Sticker Shock

Americans also deserve market-driven solutions that would keep insurance costs low.  With limited coverage options, Mississippians are facing some of the country’s highest premiums.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the estimated cost of a mid-level plan offered through Mississippi’s insurance exchange is $448 a month.  Only two other states, Wyoming and Alaska, have higher premiums.  This is unacceptable for America’s most rural and underinsured communities, which already have some of the highest health-care costs.

It is becoming more and more clear that the Obamacare law is not Americans’ prescription for success.  Real reforms – not big-government policies – would give patients more control over their care and not burden them with higher costs.  It is past time for the Administration to take an honest look at the law’s harmful mandates and regulations.  Americans expect better and are right to demand change.