Beginning this fall, individuals will be able to enroll in the new health insurance Exchanges for coverage effective January 1, 2014. To enroll in coverage, individuals will have to complete an application process.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a sample application a few months ago. This initial application was over 21 pages long, and required individuals to answer repetitive and often times confusing questions.
Last month, CMS announced that they were simplifying and shortening the application process. The application for individuals without health coverage is reduced from 21 to 3 pages, and the application for families is 12 pages.
Click here for a sample application for single coverage, and click here for a sample family coverage application.
Individuals can apply online or by completing a paper form once the enrollment period begins on October 1, 2013. While many will still find the application process confusing and time consuming, help will be available through the Exchange Navigators.
