HealthCare.gov relies on outdated technology and may ultimately require a complete overhaul to function properly, technology experts have told USA TODAY.
The need to clear the cache to resolve issues with the health insurance exchange site is a "very early Web 1.0" fix, Dan Schuyler, a director at Leavitt Partners, told USA TODAY. Even if the site is designed perfectly, it won't work if the underlying systems aren't up to speed, according to the report.
The federal site has experienced various glitches since the exchanges opened for enrollment earlier this month, with people not being able to create accounts on HealthCare.gov, drop down tools malfunctioning and the site crashing due to high traffic.
HHS has confirmed site design flaws are at least partly to blame, saying the online marketplace needs coding updates and infrastructure changes as well as increased server capacity to better handle the current demand. The agency is working "around the clock" to fix the issues, Joanne Peters, an HHS spokesperson, said last week.
The technical issues have become a target for opponents of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Republican leaders have questioned HHS and contractors helping with the healthcare reform law's implementation about the technical problems the health insurance exchanges have experienced since they opened.
Regarding the errors, President Obama has said every new product rollout will encounter some technical problems.
More Articles on Health Insurance Exchange Glitches:
Federal Exchanges Won't Transfer Medicaid Applications Until Nov. 1
Republicans Question HHS About PPACA Exchange Technical Issues
HHS Acknowledges Design Flaws in Healthcare.gov