‘Obamacare’ surprise: Strong showing as nearly 9M sign up

In this Oct. 18, 2017 photo, the Healthcare.gov website is seen on a computer screen in Washington. The government says about 8.8 million people have signed up for coverage next year under the Affordable Care Act. A deadline surge last week appears to account for the surprisingly strong numbers. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON — In a remarkably strong show of consumer demand, nearly 9 million people signed up for “Obamacare” next year, as government numbers out Thursday proved predictions of its collapse wrong yet again.