Error messages prevalent on Affordable Health Care Act website

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Tuesday night people around the country who were trying to sign up for the new Affordable Care Act saw millions of error messages.

Millions of people went to healthcare.gov on Tuesday.

The government website allows anyone to shop, compare plans and buy health insurance regardless of age, gender or preexisting conditions.

But many eager to sign up got a message saying, "Please wait...we have a lot of visitors on our site right now and we're working to make your experience here better."

"There are going to be a number of glitches...there always are with a new website, and with the government shutdown who knows how quickly those will be fixed. So give it a day or two," said Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News chief health and medical editor.

Throughout the night, Eyewitness News saw that "please wait" message, and after a few minutes, a login page eventually showed up directing people to create an account.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there are 126,000 uninsured in Mecklenburg County, half of whom will qualify to pay less than $100 a month for health insurance.

One Blue Cross Blue Shield Office in North Carolina encouraged people to come into their office if they are having any issues online.

"We are asking customers who come into the store to get the quotes and learn more about the options that are available with today's enrollment period," said Ryan Vulcan of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Critics argue the Affordable Care Act will not decrease overall health care costs, and many Americans are still uncertain how it will affect their families and budgets.

Those who do not purchase health coverage in six months, by March 31, will face fines.

Many states are manning call centers and have been flooded with questions. Those who purchase health care will see coverage kick in Jan. 1.

WSOC