Obamacare is so bad...

That in Oregon you get to choose from 9 insurers and co-ops offering 76 different plans.

(Was that too much snark?)

Here's my observations of the available plans:

• From what I remember from my last employer, most of the plans available at Cover Oregon cost less and have better benefits with lower deductibles and copays -- and that's not taking into account any federal benefit.  I'm sure though, that very large companies such as Intel and Nike, have far better plans and lower prices.
• For me, the price differences between the lowest and highest plan within each level are:
• Bronze = 48% ($176 - $260);
• Silver = 46% ($205 - $300);
• Gold = 36% ($261 - $354);
• Platinum = 37% ($294 - $403).
• See that Platinum level lowest price ($294)?  Five years ago my previous employer had the same insurer, but a significantly higher price with worse benefits including a higher deductible and higher copays. 
• The layout architecture is remarkably similar to ehealthinsurance, and that's too bad, because it'd be a lot more helpful if the plans were laid out in table form. Think side-by-side comparisons down the line of all costs and features, as you would do at online car shopping sites such as Edmunds.com.
• It's worth reiterating the point: I believe that the biggest benefit of the ACA, will be those who get laid off, especially during recessions.  As far as I can tell, the prices are very competitive with group plans that you'd pay via COBRA extensions, except that your loss of income would likely push the exchange prices with accompanying federal benefits far below that of your former company's plans.
• You can't apply for coverage directly through the website yet, but when they do bring that online, if it doesn't have forced / persistent HTTPS, I would strongly suggest calling them instead of using the website to sign up.  Right now they don't use HTTPS and you can't force HTTPS.
• This is really important: You must check the list of providers on Cover Oregon's website.  Each insurer has its own list of providers (doctors) and some insurers have different (ie smaller) lists based on the level you're looking at (Bronze, Silver, etc) -- interestingly, the lists are hosted on Amazon Web Services using HTTPS, of course.

In general, it's good to live in a state that is blue and supported a state-based exchange.  Better yet, the ACA is a major boon for independent contractors, the self-employed and small businesses who do not have the purchasing power of big companies.

It is not perfect, but it is a start, and if it doesn't work out, don't expect Republicans to bring a better plan forward; at best, you can expect tax incentives, which would be rather ironic, given their penchant to deride the IRS and the complicated tax code (that Congress is responsible for writing).

Also, I can completely visualize how some might have panic attacks at the idea of being forced to buy something which they do not see as affordable.  But the alternative of living in constant worry of what-if-I-get-sick-or-injured is a lot worse.

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Update: I just now visited healthcare.gov, and noticed that it had persistent HTTPS. I sure wish Cover Oregon was entirely HTTPS.