re: Hospitals unable to verify Obamacare insurace (Updated with new stories)

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The number of people seeking to use their new ObamaCare coverage for the first time is expected to spike next week.

Representatives from healthcare companies, trade groups, and the Obama administration told The Hill that many who obtained new coverage under the law are using this week to learn about their plans and set up preliminary appointments.

They’re expected to turn out in force at the nation’s clinics and hospitals as early as next Monday.

“We are anticipating a surge in activity beginning next week,” said Markeisha Marshall, a spokesperson for Walgreens, the country’s largest pharmacy.

“We haven’t seen many issues, but it’s early,” said Kevin Schweers of the National Community Pharmacists Association.

“We’re predicting Monday will be a better arbiter [for how the law is holding up], so that’s something we’re keeping an eye on,” Schweers added. “We’ve asked our members to let us know about their experiences.”

The administration and healthcare groups have been bracing for the latest test of the law after enrollment deadline delays and processing errors at HealthCare.Gov created an administrative nightmare for insurers.

Two worries are paramount.

The first is that a sizable number of consumers who show up at the doctor’s office will discover that they don’t have the insurance they thought they purchased.

A second is that people have enrolled in ObamaCare, but have to make a payment. Some will discover they don’t have the insurance they thought they purchased as a result .

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