Federal data system found to be secure

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently found the state health insurance exchanges' central computer system is secure and ready for enrollment.

According to Reuters, the federal data system was recently tested and certified to ensure the marketplaces were secure ahead of their Oct. 1 opening. Many opponents to healthcare reform have voiced their concern over the data security of the state health insurance exchanges, as personal financial information may be at risk when residents participate in the exchanges. Reuters reported the system that will be used to store the data, which is an important aspect of the marketplaces, has been found to keep information like social security numbers secure.

Modern Healthcare reported the marketplaces' computer system, called the Data Services Hub, will be ready for Oct. 1. However, experts have advised residents to understand there may still be issues that will need to be fixed. According to Modern Healthcare, the hub will be used with the exchanges in all 50 states.

However, healthcare experts are still wary about if the exchanges will have a smooth rollout.

"Greater transparency is needed, as well as a frank acknowledgement that the [healthcare law's] posted deadlines should take second place to reasonable data concerns," Stephen Parente, a finance professor at the University of Minnesota, said in a recent House hearing, according to Reuters.