I signed up for healthcare coverage for 2015 at Healthcare.gov. Unlike last year, absolutely no problems with the system. The only hiccup occurred with United Healthcare when I tried to review its provider network—that system seems to be unable to stand the load. The government site, though, was a piece of cake.
I was able to get a plan that was about a third of what I paid this year. It’s more of a managed plan where I have to use a set of providers, but I’m OK with the providers. I stayed with Coventry because they provided good coverage this year, and they seem to be the only provider who has its online act together.
Only one problem with this year’s sign up, and it’s bureaucratic not system specific: proving income.
To be eligible, I have to mail (hard copy), or upload proof of income for 2015. I have to send in one of the following:
Wages and tax statement (W-2) · Pay stub · Letter from employer · Self-employment ledger · Cost of living adjustment letter and other benefit verification notices · Lease agreement · Copy of a check paid to the household member · Bank or investment fund statement · Document or letter from Social Security Administration (SSA) · Form SSA 1099 Social Security benefits statement · Letter from government agency for unemployment benefits
I’m a self-employed writer, which means my income is erratic. According to the notice, the self-employment ledger can be pre-filled in with estimates. I keep a spreadsheet, which I guess will have to become my self-employment ledger. Or I can send a copy of my lease or bank statement, but that doesn’t really prove my income. It’s bizarre, and more than a little irritating.
There’s a thing called the 1040—why this isn’t acceptable, I don’t know.
Anyway, I’m all finished. Now what the hell will the GOP have to bitch about if they can’t bitch about Healthcare.gov?