I thought some might want to know how well healthcare.gov is working.
I created an account weeks ago and entered all information requested. The system confused my social security number with my son’s, but when I edited the form the system kept insisting on using my son’s social security number as mine.
So, about two weeks ago (I write this on December 18) I decided to delete the application and start over. This time I was able to complete the application, digitally sign the application, and my identity was noted as verified.
So, I thought I was in, however my “current application” still showed only as “In progress.” So, I waited. No emails. No phone calls. No idea.
So, today I logged back in. My application still showed as “In progress.”
So, I started a chat session as offered (“Chat with someone who can help.”). Here is how it went:
[2:49:59 pm]: Thanks for contacting Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat. Please wait while we connect you to someone who can help.
[2:50:06 pm]: Please be patient while we’re helping other people.
[2:50:10 pm]: Welcome! You’re now connected to Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat.
Thanks for contacting us. My name is Maria. To protect your privacy, please don’t provide any personal information, like Social Security Number, or any other sensitive medical or personal information.
[2:50:22 pm]: Maria
Hello, how may i help you?
[2:51:09 pm]: Peter
My application has shown as “In progress” for weeks. I have “signed” and been verified. How do I access health policies in my area?
[2:52:08 pm]: Maria
You have to continue the enrollment.
[2:54:18 pm]: Peter
I finished the entire process. Every time I log back in the system makes me verify everything I already entered, then resign the application. The system then shows my identity has been verified. So, what else do I have to do to see the health plans available in my area? The word “enrollment” means nothing and is not shown anywhere on the healthcare.gov web page showing my application.
[2:55:03 pm]: Maria
Thank you for your interest in the Marketplace and for sharing your feedback. We apologize for any technical difficulties you may be experiencing as you use HealthCare.gov. We know this can be frustrating, and we’re working around the clock to improve HealthCare.gov and to make sure your experience with it is a positive one.
[2:55:48 pm]: Maria
Or you may also call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 and they are able to look your application.
So, I asked where the help was and received no response.
So, I called the number. A very helpful man went through the application page by page and was able to get past the problem.
Once the “Application” was “Complete” I received my “Eligibility Results.” These results said that my wife and I are “Eligible to purchase health coverage through the Marketplace.” However, our two children (ages 21 and 23) “don’t qualify to purchase health coverage through the Marketplace.”
But wait! Our children should be eligible because they are US citizens, are less than age 26, and one of the promises of Obamacare was that my children could “stay on my plan.”
The nice man then told me that the only way to get this straightened out was that I would need to file an “appeal” of the eligibility results (I guess I was found guilty). The only way to appeal appears to be to write a letter.
So, I will write a letter. (FYI – both children live outside Florida which, I am guessing here, makes them ineligible to “stay on my plan” even though…)
I can’t wait for the formal response to my appeal.
Oh, and I was asked if I wanted to register to vote! Yes, comrade. You can be sure I am registered and will vote.
I think we should all document and share our experiences with the great Obamacare disaster.
Regards, Pete Weldon
americanstance.org