Consumer Reports on healthcare site: ‘It’s terrific’

[ProSense]

Consumer Reports on healthcare site: ‘It’s terrific’

By Steve Benen

Over the last month or so, opponents of the Affordable Care Act have eagerly touted Consumer Reports’ “opposition” to healthcare.gov – for the right, if the independent, consumer-friendly outlet disapproves of the administration’s exchange marketplace, it proves … Obamacare is bad.

In reality, Consumer Reports’ position has always been more nuanced than conservative activists and lawmakers would have us believe. The consumer advocates, for example, defended the Obama administration from criticism on canceled plans through the individual market, rejecting Republican talking points altogether. Consumer Reports also played a role in debunking some of the ACA horror stories that the right has been so invested in.

That said, the consumer advocates did warn the public about the problems plaguing healthcare.gov, urging Americans to wait until the site improved before creating accounts and selecting insurance (though Consumer Reports pushed back against far-right efforts to exploit the position). Today, however, it reversed course and changed its verdict.

After advising consumers to steer clear of Healthcare.gov in October, Consumer Reports health care expert Nancy Metcalf told MSNBC’s Chuck Todd Tuesday morning that the federal health care exchange website was improved enough following the Obama administration’s frantic month of repairs that users could confidently use it. <…>

“Now we’re saying, ‘it’s time,’” Metcalf said, in particular praising the new window-shopping function, in which users can peruse health plans without registering with the site. The requirement to make an account before viewing options was considered one of the main causes for the site’s initial traffic bottleneck. “It’s terrific, I’ve tried it, it was working yesterday through the busiest times,” Metcalf said.

If recent history is any guide, opponents of the law will argue, indefinitely, that “even Consumer Reports opposes” healthcare.gov, but for those concerned with the facts, the consumer advocates’ position now seems fairly clear.

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/consumer-reports-backs-health-care-site

[freshwest]

1. Kudos to Rachel and Consumer Reports The truth will out. n/t

[Cha]

2. Wow, good to know.. thanks ProSense

"In reality, Consumer Reports’ position has always been more nuanced than conservative activists and lawmakers would have us believe. The consumer advocates, for example, defended the Obama administration from criticism on canceled plans through the individual market, rejecting Republican talking points altogether. Consumer Reports also played a role in debunking some of the ACA horror stories that the right has been so invested in."

“Now we’re saying, ‘it’s time,’” Metcalf said, in particular praising the new window-shopping function, in which users can peruse health plans without registering with the site. The requirement to make an account before viewing options was considered one of the main causes for the site’s initial traffic bottleneck. “It’s terrific, I’ve tried it, it was working yesterday through the busiest times,” Metcalf said.

And, thanks to Steve Benen!

[Gothmog]

3. This should help with some of the GOP talking points

The GOP talking points are being debunked and proven false on a very rapid basis

[underpants]

7. In the real world yes but they don't live in a real world

Neither does the media. Fox News might mention this in the middle of the day (probably not) and then just continue their nonsense repeating system

[BlancheSplanchnik]

4. what's also interesting is that a lot of conservative types really like Consumer Reports

That's just my observation.....don't know if there's any numbers to back that up.. (I'm not a numbers person anyway)

Exploding repuke heads ensued......

[yesphan]

6. If they did like it,

they won't any more. CR will be the new Snopes.

[sheshe2]

5. "It's Terrific"

Oh yes, it is indeed!

[Bill USA]

8. Report on THAT, GOP toadies of M$M... Yeah, fat fucking chance of that happening!

recommended!

[Stuart G]

9. k & r thanks for posting..... nt

[Skittles]

10. OK I finally have an ACA story, (email from friend), referring to a McDonald's worker

Well, after some confusion on the ACA website, Alan has signed up with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. For only $78 a month, he will have a $1,500 deductible and a $1,500 max out of pocket. That protects him well against a huge medical bill. Plus, he gets routine preventive costs covered 100%. He added dental coverage for $28 a month. This combined $106 a month is less than half of the junk policy he had with McDonald’s. The most the McDonald’s policy would have paid out in one calendar year was only $10,000. That is too little if he ends up having a surgery like I had, which was over $40,000.



I have suggested he put away the $125 savings into a HAS for future costs.

[SoCalDem]

12. The best part?

As soon as he can find a better paying job, he's free to jump on it..

The insurance belongs to HIM...not McD's.

[Vietnameravet]

11. Realty never phased those for whom truth was an option BUT

this Makes My Day! Big Time..

[ailsagirl]

13. Now THAT'S "fair and balanced"

CR has no axe to grind and never has.

[Quantess]

14. That's great!

K & R

[IkeRepublican]

15. Dutch apple pie

It's terrific



I look like Scott. So you not be little bit jumpy.