US health officials ask patience in signing up health insurance

US health officials say they are experiencing tremendous demand at the website to buy health insurance during the first week of open enrollment. "We know some of you are having trouble getting to the application at the website HealthCare.gov and we are sorry for any delays. Thanks for your patience, and please keep trying!" officials at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, part of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement. CMS said: "Here is what we're doing to make things better:" -- Extra space for more users to get onto the system. -- More technicians working around the clock to find problems and fix them. -- More trained representatives ready to take your calls at our Marketplace toll-free number. -- New pathways to get you to the application faster. These improvements and others have cut the wait times by one-third, and more people are successfully applying and shopping in the Marketplace. "We appreciate your patience and look forward to helping you get quality, affordable coverage just like Kathy Kanak did on Wednesday night," the CMS said. Kanak, 57, of Libertyville, Ill., said she keep trying to log on to the HealthCare.gov website, but finally was able to buy individual health insurance for herself and her husband, the Chicago Tribune reported. Kanak said she compared the healthcare plans available and she purchased new coverage for herself and her husband. Kanak works part time at Cook Memorial Library. She and her husband had been covered under more-expensive individual policies through Blue Cross for the last three years, while Kanak's husband Brant seeks full-time work. With federal tax credits, the Kanaks will pay about $390 less per month on premiums for coverage with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and be able to retain their family doctor, while their annual deductible will drop to $1,500 next year, down from $5,000 this year, she told the Tribune. Those needing help with a Marketplace application can contact the 24/7 call center, use the live chat function, or go to LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find an in-person assister in your community, CMS said. Those who don't have health insurance provided by an employer have six months to enroll. "Remember you have until Dec.15 to sign up for health coverage that will start Jan. 1, 2014. However, the Open Enrollment period runs until March 31, 2014.