Joel Ario Interviewed by LA Times on California's Potential Health Exchange Delay

"Covered California Enrollment Website May Not Be Ready by Oct. 1"
Los Angeles Times

August 23, 2013 - Manatt's Joel Ario, a managing director with Manatt Health Solutions, spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the impact that delays in health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act could have on health reform.

The Los Angeles Times reports that California recently announced that its new health insurance marketplace may not be fully operational by October 1, the date when consumer enrollment begins under the Affordable Care Act. Though officials said they will know more next month, there is still concern that even a short postponement in online enrollment could turn off some potential participants.

Some provisions of the health law have already have been delayed at the federal level. Industry insiders told the newspaper that more missed deadlines could embolden critics and undercut tepid public support for the reform.

"In the current environment, any postponement will be fodder for political attacks," said Ario. "I think states will be very careful not to have delays unless they have to. These political fights don't help."

Read the article here.