No excuse

The successful launch of the Washington (state) Health Benefit Exchange stands in sharp contrast to the high-tech turmoil in the other Washington.

Millions of Americans want and need health insurance. The federal government has spent nearly $400 million to build the national health-care exchange, but all the money, time and development did not prevent massive problems.

Only the harshest opponents of the Affordable Care Act refuse to acknowledge the scale of the challenge. The federal system is verifying applicant income from federal sources and interfacing with local Medicaid and record systems in 33 states, which include some openly hostile to Obamacare.

Still, a program with the highest expectations, and need, must deliver.

The federal system needs to be mindful of its customers and match consumer expectations. President Obama delivered a plan that was endorsed by Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Now make it work. No excuses.

If schedules, deadlines and penalties need to be adjusted as technical glitches are fixed, do that as well.