(NECN/NBC News: Danielle Leigh, Washington) - Tech experts have just hours left to meet a midnight Saturday deadline imposed by the Obama administration and get the healthcare.gov website working for most Americans.
Government website designer Suresh John has a lot of sympathy for the tech experts who are rushing to fix healthcare.gov. "With all the scrutiny and all the problems going on it is definitely a challenge," he said.
The administration says the website has increased its speed and decreased error rates, putting it on track to support 50,000 users at once. With poll numbers at record lows, the stakes are high for President Obama.
"There has been such a focus on the website that until they get that fixed its going to be hard for them to focus on other elements of the law that have been very popular," said strategist Doug Thornell.
Just this week, the administration delayed online enrollment for small businesses. Another setback could further deter people from signing up especially the young and healthy who are integral to keeping premiums low.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is hoping to increase the odds for success. Friday, she posted some shopping tips online, reminding people to avoid peak hours.
