Only 5 enrolled in DC Obamacare

Only five people have fully completed the enrollment process in the DC insurance exchange, according to information compiled by lawmakers from four of the insurance companies participating in the exchange.

Two people enrolled in CareFirst BlueShield plans during October and three enrolled in Kaiser Permanente plans during the month. No enrollment data has been collected by UnitedHealthcare or Aetna as of Nov. 4 or Oct. 24, respectively, the companies said.

The information was collected by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

These five have paid their first month of premiums. More have completed applications but not yet paid the premium.

But DC HealthLink spokesman Richard Sorian says the insurers�™ enrollment figures are �œnot an accurate depiction of the strong level of interest in the District of Columbia in obtaining quality, affordable health insurance.”

As of Oct. 21, 321 DC residents and 426 small business had selected a health plan, Sorian said. Consumers have until Dec. 15 and small businesses have until Dec. 12 to pay for coverage to start on Jan. 1.

Many congressional staff will have to sign up on the small business exchange under a provision in the health law. Politico

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