Is Obama getting ready to give up on the federal exchange?

The Obama administration is considering letting big insurers to directly sign up people who qualify
for tax credits. That doesn't sound like they are confident the exchange will be functioning well at the end of the month.

Via CNBC:

On a mission to help people bypass distressed health-insurance websites, the Obama administration said it may allow big insurers to directly sign up those who qualify for tax credits, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
Currently, customers who are eligible for subsidies can get them only when purchasing coverage on the exchanges. The Obamacare website was launched on Oct. 1 and since then has had various technical problems.

The new concession can help some people work around troubled insurance websites, including HealthCare.gov. The administration said it is working with insurers to eliminate the technical hurdles for the plan, according to The Journal.