The NYT link has an excellent graph as to how it was supposed to work
Note that before being accepted, there are apparently about 20 agency data bases must be accessed and evaluated -- note the last one
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Application
Consumers provide basic information to set up accounts, which allows them to compare costs and benefits of health plans. They can apply for a plan as well as for financial assistance, which can be in the form of tax credits or government assistance programs.Application
PROBLEM
Consumers had difficulty creating online accounts and were unable to compare plans
Verification
The application is sent through a data services hub, which checks the identity of the consumer through information from various federal agencies.
Social Security Administration to verify Social Security Number, citizenship and other information.
Department of Homeland Security to make sure the applicant is a citizen or legal resident.
Internal Revenue Service and a government contractor to verify applicants’ incomes if they are seeking financial assistance.
Veterans Health Administration, Defense Department, Office of Personnel Management, Medicare, Peace Corps and the applicant’s state Medicaid agency to check that they are not already enrolled in other health insurance programs.
