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ProSense

(116,464 posts)
Tue Apr 30, 2013, 11:37 AM Apr 2013

Obama Administration Simplifies, Significantly Shortens Application for Health Insurance

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: www.HealthCare.gov

https://www.cms.gov


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Obama Administration Simplifies, Significantly Shortens Application for Health Insurance (Original Post) ProSense Apr 2013 OP
Just one more step: Ron Green Apr 2013 #1
Yep. Eventually automatic with birth certificates. Future generations not jumping through hoops. freshwest May 2013 #7
That's very good news. When I saw that first form, I was appalled. denverbill Apr 2013 #2
We shouldn't have to "apply" for medical insurance at all. What happens if kestrel91316 Apr 2013 #3
People apply for Medicaid and Medicare now. n/t ProSense Apr 2013 #4
Good on the Progress! Cha Apr 2013 #5
K & R Scurrilous Apr 2013 #6

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
7. Yep. Eventually automatic with birth certificates. Future generations not jumping through hoops.
Wed May 1, 2013, 02:49 AM
May 2013

While the conventional medical system before the ACA let me and my family down, I have hopes that those to come will enjoy better care than we had.

denverbill

(11,489 posts)
2. That's very good news. When I saw that first form, I was appalled.
Tue Apr 30, 2013, 11:59 AM
Apr 2013

It is unfortunate that we are stuck with this lousy system instead of single payer, but at least a simplified application is a small step in the right direction. Nothing like forcing people to buy insurance, then forcing them to navigate a 20 page application.

 

kestrel91316

(51,666 posts)
3. We shouldn't have to "apply" for medical insurance at all. What happens if
Tue Apr 30, 2013, 01:17 PM
Apr 2013

an insurer just decides to reject an application because, well, maybe they don't like our name, or our credit score, or what neighborhood we live in, or any of a number of other possible lame excuses? The very requirement that we "apply" infers that we can still be rejected.

Single Payer is what we really need. The ACA is probably going to be an abject failure and those who take the bait and buy insurance under it will probably STILL wind up being screwed by the private sector. It's a nice idea, but I can't see TPTB allowing it to actually be implemented in any way that benefits anyone other than the 1%.

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