Feds advise against ObamaCare paper applications

[flowers]

http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/192395-feds-advise-obamacare-navigators-to-stop-paper

Federal health officials have been advising ObamaCare counselors this week to stop using paper applications to enroll people — out of fear that the applications wouldn’t be processed in time.

Based on interviews the Associated Press conducted, enrollment counselors and brokers facilitating the insurance sign-up process have been advised by the Obama administration to stop using paper.

Uninsured consumers in the United States must sign up for health insurance by Dec. 23 in order to receive coverage starting Jan. 1.

“We received guidance from the feds recommending that folks apply online as opposed to paper," Mike Claffey, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Insurance, told the AP.

Counselors who spoke to the AP said federal officials discussed the paper application issues on a conference call Wednesday.