So, a while back, flagamuffin asked me to write up the experience of applying for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act, which I just completed today.

I applied shortly after my original post, so about 2 months ago. The site was still very slow and buggy and when I finally entered all the info, I electronically signed the document and received a "processing" message. I logged back in a day later and it still said processing. After a week, it said the same thing. After two weeks, guess what? Still processing. Concerned, I called the number provided and spoke to a nice lady who seemed intent on helping me. She told me that they were having trouble verifying my identity, which seems odd, since I don't have a common combination of names, especially given the region I am from and currently living in. She told me to expect a letter or a phone call to clear things up.

So, I waited some more and each time I logged in, it was still processing and no letters or phone calls came. I called the number again today and spoke to another, younger person today. She asked me to provide verification over the phone, which I did. She brought up my file and then told me that I hadn't filled in everything, (which was not the case). She asked me about my financials and eventually it came out that their software rejected my response because I entered that I get paid every 3 weeks instead of every 2 or 4 weeks as the system is geared to accept.

I don't know what kind of schedule temp agencies pay in other states, but it's something those implementing healthcare.gov might be getting calls about.

After that, I selected a plan and was told that the carrier would get in touch with me "soon" and that I "should" have coverage by January 1st. I expect to have to call someone at least one more time. Oh, and now there's lots of wet snow and some freezing rain and I'm sure that more is on the way. Good thing my car passed inspection. Oh wait, it didn't! I'm sure that nothing could possibly go wrong driving on icy roads in a 21 year old car to my amazing temp job.

So, mission accomplished. I guess.