spyglass

**Bumped Up From TAM Wire. Posted By drforensic**

Welcome to the KGB.

Via Weekly Standard.

Maryland’s Health Connection, the state’s Obamacare marketplace, has been plagued by delays in the first days of open enrollment. If users are able to endure long page-loading delays, they are presented with the website’s privacy policy, a ubiquitous fine-print feature on websites that often go unread. Nevertheless, users are asked to check off a box that they agree to the terms.

The policy contains many standard statements about information automatically collected regarding Internet browsers and IP addresses, temporary “cookies” used by the site, and website accessibility. However, at least two conditions may give some users pause before proceeding.

The first is regarding personal information submitted with an application for those users who follow through on the sign up process all the way to the end. The policy states that all information to help in applying for coverage and even for making a payment will be kept strictly confidential and only be used to carry out the function of the marketplace. There is, however, an exception: “[W]e may share information provided in your application with the appropriate authorities for law enforcement and audit activities.” Here is the entire paragraph from the policy the includes the exception [emphasis added]:

Should you decide to apply for health coverage through Maryland Health Connection, the information you supply in your application will be used to determine whether you are eligible for health and dental coverage offered through Maryland Health Connection and for insurance affordability programs. It also may be used to assist you in making a payment for the insurance plan you select, and for related automated reminders or other activities permitted by law. We will preserve the privacy of personal records and protect confidential or privileged information in full accordance with federal and State law. We will not sell your information to others. Any information that you provide to us in your application will be used only to carry out the functions of Maryland Health Connection. The only exception to this policy is that we may share information provided in your application with the appropriate authorities for law enforcement and audit activities.

Click through and read the whole thing.

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3 Comments | Leave a comment
  1. Kitten says:

    Anybody remember the movie Poltergeist? I do remember the book was much better. Anyway, one scene from the movie was when the little exorcist lady was screaming at the little girl Caroline: “Don’t go into the light!” That line always reminds me of OBummerCare. If at all possible people: “Don’t go into the Marketplace!” There are all kinds of scary things going on in there, that no one has any idea about.

  2. Dave says:

    I wouldn’t tell these malicious bastards one thing about myself voluntarily. They can take their healthcare, their madeup rules and shove them both. They don’t scare me at all.

  3. Alain41 says:

    Re the Orlanda story that Tammy tweeted where your credit score can affect whether the insurance company will let you purchase their product in the exchange;

    The Florida exchange is a federal exchange not State so that credit score issue will apply to all federal exchanges at least (and likely the State exchanges too). However, Florida passed a law in 2008 authorizing a State health exchange for small business (now also including individuals) to be up and running in 2012. As of July 2013, Florida State exchange has a website but it’s not usable to purschase health ins. http://www.healthinsurance.org/florida-state-health-insurance-exchange/

    I’m thinking that one large reason why credit score check exists is because pre-existing conditions can’t be considered in concert with insurance companies having to offer Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans (platinum too?). Eg, a poor credit score can be for many reasons, one of which is health issues that have caused financial distress. And the insurance companies don’t want that person to purchase Gold plan, probably not Silver, but to comply with the law preventing consideration of pre-existing conditions, they’ll let you purchase Bronze.

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