A Small Paper Problem: The Health Exchanges Face An Avalanche Of Paper Applications

When HealthCare.gov and some state-run insurance marketplaces ran into trouble with their websites in October and November, they urged consumers to submit paper applications for coverage.

Now, it’s time to process all that paper. And with the deadline to enroll in health plans less than two weeks away, there’s growing concern that some of these applications won’t be processed in time.

The Associated Press reported last week that federal officials are now advising navigators—groups paid to assist consumers with enrollment—not to use paper applications anymore, if they can help it.