NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, read the "Background" below the article.

1. a) What problems has the HealthCare.gov website had since over the past 3 weeks since the government launched it?
b) How has the website's technology been described?
c) President Obama has ordered outside consultants be hired to troubleshoot the system. How much has the website cost taxpayers so far?

2. In his speech addressing the problems people have signing up for Obamacare, what alternatives to the website did President Obama suggest?

3. How did website developers who worked on the HealthCare.gov website explain the major problems that have occurred?

4. What additional problems with the website have been publicized this week?

5. Obamacare is providing "navigators" to help people use the website marketplace to sign up for health insurance. The HealthCare.gov website defines a navigator as:

An individual or organization that's trained and able to help consumers, small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options through the Marketplace, including completing eligibility and enrollment forms. These individuals and organizations are required to be unbiased. Their services are free to consumers. [The cost to taxpayers for training, salaries and benefits for the navigators is not given.]

What do you think of the cost to design and launch the HeathCare.gov website compared to its efficiency and quality? Be specific.