Glitches still being worked out as Obamacare start date nears

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Officials involved with the new U.S. healthcare law say the public can expect some problems as insurance exchanges kick in

Tuesday -- or don't.

Vermont officials say people seeking insurance will not be able to make premium payments online until November, The Washington Post reported. In Oregon, online enrollment is not ready to go.

Residents of the nation's capital can expect delays in being told whether they qualify for Medicaid. The Affordable Healthcare Act, also known as Obamacare, expands Medicaid eligibility.

Joel Ario is a former Department of Health and Human Services administrator now working as a healthcare consultant.

"Nobody is going to say we're not starting on Oct. 1," he told the Post. "But in some situations, you may see a redefinition of what 'start' means."

President Obama has promised that buying health insurance will soon be as easy as buying plane tickets or televisions on line, with purchasers using the exchanges to compare plans and prices. Major delays in getting to that point is likely to add fodder to Republican criticism of the law.