Health Insurance Exchange Blasted Over Primary Care Access in Massachusetts

"It is not to say that the pace of the ramp-up, which coincided with the telephone survey, did not create turbulence and that information contained on the website was always current," he continued. "I believe a similar review now would demonstrate different results.

Asked to respond to accusations her letter is inaccurate, Hertzman-Miller replied, "It is true that at a glance, repeating the same five-mile radius today gives what looks like a list of about 700-800 physicians. However, just by glancing at the first few pages of the list, I can see that some providers' names are duplicated as many as six times, so the actual numbers may be far less."

She added that "the long cycle between initial submission of the article and publication is also a factor."

In her letter, Hertzman-Miller also said that CeltiCare agreed to take over the care of these immigrants "for only $1,300 per person, one third of the state's previous cost, and well below the average cost of adequate care nationally."

Powers, however, said that figure is incorrect, and is based on looking at a budget for only a portion of the fiscal year. Enrollees were phased in at different dates, depending on where they live, Powers said.