Exchanges: The last-minute rush is here

HHS will be letting consumers using the HHS-run exchanges apply for a "special enrollment period" through HealthCare.gov, without providing any special documentation, up until mid-April. Consumers who apply after mid-April may have to show that they qualify for an exemption from the usual application deadline.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius visited Montclair State University in New Jersey Tuesday to observe local enrollment efforts there, while Obama's senior adviser Valerie Jarrett met with local officials in Los Angeles at an event at a community health clinic, according to a White House statement.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated before the QHP open enrollment period started that the issuers might attract 7 enrollees in 2014.

In recent weeks, HHS has suggested it might attract 6 million enrollees by March 31.

Observers have noted that HHS is using whether consumers have chosen a QHP, not whether consumers have paid for QHP coverage, as the QHP enrollment activity indicator. Exchange program critics have suggested that the paid enrollment may be lower than the HHS plan section total.

Peters, the HHS spokeswoman, said the government won't know how many people have paid their first premiums until contractors finish building an automated system allowing insurers to exchange the information with the government. Until then, the data "is neither final nor complete," she said.

"When we have accurate and reliable data regarding premium payments, we will make the information available," Peters said.

See also:

• Exchange help won't end March 31
• Exchange managers hope for last-minute rush
• PPACA enrollment hits 5 million