Health insurance exchange application(s)

Following is an HHS press release explaining the new and improved application for health insurance through a health insurance exchange. I have to admit it’s improved, but for many people it will not be easy to complete. Below I have reproduced the income section from the family application. Take a look and see how difficult it may be. Based on the questions on the application I am wondering how they will get an accurate picture of total income for the year.

Social Security has no trouble obtaining your total income each year from the IRS for the purpose of paying additional Medicare premiums. One would think such a link for individuals applying for subsidized health insurance would be equally as efficient, but what do I know?

Look at the Other Income This Month Section. One item is Social Security. Enter the dollar amount and then “How Often?” How do you answer that, once, monthly, 12? How else does one receive Social Security and in any case, who knows the answer better than HHS? The same goes for a pension, a pension is an annuity and if you get it one month, chances are darn good you get it monthly.

If you may be obtaining insurance through an exchange, now is a good time to view the application that applies to your situation through the link below.

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION SIMPLIFIES, SIGNIFICANTLY SHORTENS APPLICATION FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that the application for health coverage has been simplified and significantly shortened. The application for individuals without health insurance has been reduced from twenty-one to three pages, and the application for families is reduced by two-thirds. The consumer friendly forms are much shorter than industry standards for health insurance applications today.

In addition, for the first time consumers will be able to fill out one simple application and see their entire range of health insurance options, including plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and tax credits that will help pay for premiums.

The applications released today, which can be submitted starting on October 1, can be found here: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/other/index.html#hie

“Consumers will have a simple, easy-to-understand way to apply for health coverage later this year,” said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “The application for individuals is now three pages, making it easier to use and significantly shorter than industry standards. This is another step complete as we get ready for a consumer-friendly marketplace that will be open for business later this year.”

The online version of the application will be a dynamic experience that shortens the application process based on individuals’ responses. The paper application was simplified and tailored to meet personal situations based on important feedback from consumer groups.

Consumers can apply online, by phone or paper when open enrollment begins October 1, 2013. There will be clear information provided about how to complete the application, and how to access help applying and enrolling in coverage.

This consumer-focused approach will facilitate the enrollment of millions of Americans into affordable, high quality coverage while minimizing the administrative burden on states, individuals and health plans.

For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit: http://www.HealthCare.gov