(update) Lead health care navigator in Florida provides wrong information on credit scores

[The Straight Story]

Last edited Wed Oct 9, 2013, 12:21 PM - Edit history (1)

Update: ORLANDO, Fla. -

A day after telling Local 6 that anyone signing up for the Affordable Care Act had to provide their credit score, the lead navigator in Florida said she was wrong.

ORLANDO, Fla. -

Many people signing up for health care in Florida through the Affordable Care Act have been shocked when they have to give proof of their credit score before they finish the process.

Anne Packham, one of many people licensed by the state to help people navigate the government's website, said on Tuesday that the credit check occurs so providers can make an educated decision about who to insure.

"If someone is defaulting on all of their bills they may not want to have them as part of their health plan," said Packham, the lead Navigator in Florida.

Participants with low credit scores could end up paying higher premiums, according to Packham, who said that ultimately the insurance company makes the call.

The government website healthcare.gov has regularly been bogged down, oftentimes showing users a message saying, "We have a lot of visitors on the site."

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/credit-scores-impacting-new-affordable-care-act-insurance-plans/-/1637132/22341034/-/l0jmq3z/-/index.html

Smokers, obese folks, those who have credit issues all cost insurance companies extra money and should pay more I guess. Sounds legit.

[LAGC]

1. So what happens if you're an obese, non-smoker with an above average credit rating?

Is it a wash?

[The Straight Story]

4. Yep, a wash - the money god is demanding of it's worshippers, from the protestant ones

to the fundie ones, we join together to protect the profit through condemnation of actions.

Let us arm ourselves with the flash light of shame and shine it upon those whose choices are not the same as ours, while on the other hand condemning shaming techniques

[CreekDog]

18. in the ACA exchanges the low credit score and the high credit score pay the same premium

very simple.

the OP is extremely, very wrong.

[REP]

41. Wow, that's a shock.

[CreekDog]

47. UM

[Yo_Mama]

78. Maybe not

Because not everybody gets the subsidies, and if some insurance cos in FL intend to reject people without a credit score or without a high enough credit score, then those persons will have to choose another insurer which may charge a higher premium.

You are confusing two separate issues - the subsidy, which not everyone gets, and the base cost of the insurance plan, which varies between plans.

A person qualifying for a subsidy would end up paying the same for the plan regardless of which insurance co accepted them.

I suspect that Packham is wrong about insurance companies rejecting apps on the basis of credit scores, but I can't prove it. There is nothing in the ACA that forces insurance companies to accept every applicant.

[CreekDog]

79. "Guaranteed Issue" --add Obamacare denialism to your climate change denialism

[pnwmom]

84. I think the OP should be self-deleted. Maybe he meant well,

in the beginning, but clearly false article like this on a critical subject shouldn't be posted on DU.

[CreekDog]

93. I agree with you that the OP should be self-deleted, as for the OP meaning well?

that's charitable of you

[Yo_Mama]

89. Kaiser says you're right, but that is not what the law says

http://kaiserfamilyfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/8327.pdf

This should not be true and I hope it is not true, but it depends on the regulations written UNDER the law and state laws. Because the law itself does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of credit scores. Here's the law:
http://housedocs.house.gov/energycommerce/ppacacon.pdf
and here's what the most specific guaranteed issue section seems to be:

‘SEC. 2705
ø
42 U.S.C. 300gg–4
¿
. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS AND BENE-
FICIARIES BASED ON HEALTH STATUS.
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL
.—A group health plan and a health insurance
issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may
not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of
any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan or coverage
based on any of the following health status-related factors in rela-
tion to the individual or a dependent of the individual:
‘‘(1) Health status.
‘‘(2) Medical condition (including both physical and mental
illnesses).
‘‘(3) Claims experience.
‘‘(4) Receipt of health care.
‘‘(5) Medical history.
‘‘(6) Genetic information.
‘‘(7) Evidence of insurability (including conditions arising
out of acts of domestic violence).
‘‘(8) Disability.
‘‘(9) Any other health status-related factor determined appropriate by the Secretary.

The law does say guaranteed issue in general, but when the law says "in general", it is overwritten by all more specific sections. So, for example, a Florida insurer is entitled to reject an application if it has determined that the individual or family's residence is outside its service area, etc.

Credit score OUGHT to be a health-related measure, and regulations should have been written prohibiting rejection of apps for credit scores, but I haven't found them yet. I do believe many states have their own laws prohibiting it. That doesn't mean Florida does.

And, btw, I believe in human-generated climate change, and that higher levels of CO2 tend to produce higher levels of temperature. The only thing I do not agree with (because there is no scientific evidence of it) is that current climate change is causing bad storms.

I do believe the law provides scope for the HHS Secretary to ban the practice as a health-related criteria, so if this is true then I want to find out that it is true and then write to the HHS Secretary to request such a ban. Insurance companies will always cheat if they can.

[grantcart]

59. credit rating has nothing to do with it. They use the credit company, in some cases

simply to confirm the identity of the applicant.

This is necessary so that they can give you the subsidy.

That is what we had to do.

We got $ 3600 in subsidies because of it.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Also could be used by them as a sort of way around the prexisting condition exclusion. n/t

[uppityperson]

3. Just so long as they don't ask about tattoos and wrinkles.

For real though, wtf?

[davidpdx]

46. Well since you brought it up, do share

Pictures are appreciated....

[Marrah_G]

5. I think No insurance company should be able to use credit scores.

I was furious when I found out my car insurance made me pay more because of it. The poor get screwed every which way .....

[Rosa Luxemburg]

35. If only if we had single payer

[NYC_SKP]

6. This might be more deliberate misinformation. Is Anne Packham really in a place to know?

She sounds kind of unsure of her own "facts".

[SwampG8r]

100. she is likely full of crapola

talking florida here skp so its more than likely that either
she is working for the governor and state of florida in this capacity and will do or say anything to keep the waters muddy
or
she is mis speaking through ignorance when she should be explaining

the aca has subsidies based on income
to receive the subsidy you must have your income proven by an independent 3rd party
like a credit checker

[NYC_SKP]

104. Full o shit, and Florida isn't helping. You're right.

http://freebeacon.com/lead-florida-obamacare-navigator-does-not-understand-law/

Lead Florida Obamacare Navigator Does Not Understand Law
Packham retracts earlier claims that Floridians needed to provide credit score to apply for Obamacare

BY: Washington Free Beacon Staff
October 9, 2013 10:50 am

Lead Florida Obamacare Navigator Anne Packham has retracted earlier claims that Floridians must provide their credit score to apply for health insurance, WKMG reports:

A day after telling Local 6 that anyone signing up for the Affordable Care Act had to provide their credit score, the lead navigator in Florida said she was wrong.

Anne Packham, one of many people licensed by the state to help people navigate the government’s website, said on Tuesday that the credit check was put in place so providers can make an educated decision about who to insure.

After receiving numerous emails about the story, Local 6 contacted Packham on Wednesday, and she said her statement was incorrect, adding that users do not need their credit scores to apply for the Affordable Care Act.

Local 6 is investigating how the person in charge of providing information about the Affordable Care Act could make such an error.

The embarrassing flap raises further serious questions about the capability of Obamacare navigators to provide accurate and trustworthy information about healthcare reform.

The “navigators” have access to sensitive personal data such as social security numbers and income, raising privacy concerns.

On Tuesday, Packham incorrectly told WKMG that applicants must provide their credit score to apply for Obamacare:

WRONG!
.

[Earth_First]

7. If this is in relation to Experian...

It's my understanding that it is simply an identity cross-reference; nothing more.

This sound s heavily steeped in the "government has direct access to your bank account" myth.

The article is so short on details, that I'm going to wait this one out before getting outraged.

[Gormy Cuss]

75. It sounds like that to me too.

Experian shouldn't have its dirty little paws involved in this process in the first place but I can't believe that credit scores would be allowed in the application process.

[gopiscrap]

8. that's fucking bullshit

there should never be a credit score involved in health care

[CreekDog]

17. it's not allowed, it is bullshit, because it's not legal and not happening in the exchanges.

that's that.

[gopiscrap]

19. I hope so

[CreekDog]

20. here

Background

Starting January 1, 2014, insurance companies must adhere to minimum premium rating rules
for individuals and small businesses.
Health plans will be allowed to adjust premiums only for the following factors:

-Self-only or family enrollment
-Geographic area
-Age (except the rate cannot vary by more than 3 to 1 for adults)
-Tobacco use (except the rate cannot vary by more than 1.5 to 1)

Other factors traditionally used by plans to charge higher rates, such as health status and
gender, will no longer be allowed.

http://www.acscan.org/pdf/healthcare/implementation/background/NewFederalRatingRules.pdf

[kiva]

9. Can anyone find anything execpt this story?

I've been looking and found a few sites that link to it - Cafe Mom, FreeRepublic - but no other independent articles that make this claim. I've been a critic of the ACA and read a fair amount about it, but never seen this mentioned.

Thanks, Straight Story for posting this and hoping someone is able to add more to this discussion.

[The Straight Story]

10. Well, the article does come from Florida. A little more info here

http://www.insidepatientfinance.com/charity-care/reevaluating-credit-scoring-in-healthcare/

[CreekDog]

13. actually, you're bullshitting us Straight Story, credit scores can't determine premium prices

even the article here demonstrates that.

but then you still peddle the BS upthread anyway.

maybe you should stick to posting on guns and smokers if despite the huge amount of time you spend here, you learn little about any other subject.

[The Straight Story]

23. Awww you seem upset

I simply posted a news story from a station many have used, and you make it personal.

Seems like you don't like me so you make things personal/emotional.

[CreekDog]

25. Yes, when you mislead people, that upsets me

whatever pays the bills i guess.

[CreekDog]

32. Right, I get upset when you post false information, you don't.

[NYC_SKP]

61. Hi CreekDog. I think you should complain to the Orlando Rag that is spreading the story.

I think it's just another hoax, but don't jump on TSS.

Why don't you verify the story's falsehood and then post your proof here and in a new OP?

I'll rec the hell out of it!

I'm sure the credit check story is false, now let's prove it!

[CreekDog]

67. because TSS does this, it was proven and TSS still stands by it

this is now not just about a flawed column, but about someone who posts with an agenda that is independent of the truth.

[NYC_SKP]

72. His last post was at 8:20 pm.

It's not like he's glued to the Internet awake 24/7.

I did some research and posted results.

That's a better way to address this issue, IMO.

[CreekDog]

64. when you mislead and post false things, it is personal.

[pnwmom]

86. You continue to defend a false claim that could hurt anyone

who avoids the Exchanges for fear that the OP's right.

Most of the people who need the Exchanges the most -- which are also portals to Medicaid, by the way -- will have less than stellar credit scores. And you're helping to alarm them. Why? Now that you know the story is false, why are you doing this?

[lumberjack_jeff]

11. I don't believe this. My bullshit meter is pegged.

1) credit score is not an acceptable rating criteria.
2) insurance isn't a loan. You pay this month for coverage next month. If you don't pay in December, you don't have coverage in January.

[The Straight Story]

14. The use it in car insurance all of the time, would not surprise me if private health ins did as well

They shouldn't, but it is about profit.

[CreekDog]

16. Do you know ANYTHING about the ACA? No you don't know...anything.

community pricing provisions in the law, one of the cornerstones of the law require the same pricing within a community by age group with a surcharge for smokers.

that's it.

now get a clue and stop spreading BS.

[JimDandy]

60. Absolutely not true!

My son is an ACA sign-up rep. Besides you don't get your credit score unless you pay for it. Most people get the 'free' credit reports that the govt has required these credit companies to provide to us for free once a year. They don't include a credit score, so this doesn't even make sense that the ACA reps would be asking callers for their credit score as a way of identification. That would be forcing people to buy the credit reports with the scores!

What I don't like, though, is the ACA sign-up process is being slowed down due to a Homeland Security check!

[pnwmom]

85. But now you know it's not true, so why not self-delete?

The ACA is not like car insurance in many ways.

[Fumesucker]

98. Yet car insurance has been used many many times on DU to justify the individual private mandate

Go figure.

[pnwmom]

99. I don't know why because the issue with car insurance is entirely different.

The reason that is mandated is so that if a person is at fault in an accident, there are some guaranteed funds to compensate the injured party.

The reason the health insurance is mandated is because everyone needs health care sooner or later, and without insurance those people often can't pay their bills and everyone else has to pay more.

[Fumesucker]

101. Here's an example of such a claim made here on DU just a few days ago

I think I was the first one on the thread to point out that that argument has been debunked often on DU.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023804472

Ironically, that OP ended with these words..

The stupid, it hurts!

[pnwmom]

102. What specifically did he say that was wrong?

He acknowledged that both are mandated, but for different reasons. Isn't that true?

[Fumesucker]

103. Buying car insurance is not mandated

For instance, I don't have car insurance and I'm not breaking any law by not having it.

[pnwmom]

105. It is in my state. They mandated it a long time ago.

You either have to have liability insurance, or a bond or CD in the amount of $60K, that you deposit with the state.

Unless you own at least 26 vehicles, in which case you can self-insure.

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/insurance.html

[Fumesucker]

106. No it isn't

Not in your state or any other.

You are making a logical error based on an incorrect but remarkably common assumption.

[pnwmom]

107. Did you read the link? It is "mandatory" that you have auto insurance

if you have a car that is required to be registered in Washington.

[Fumesucker]

108. So auto insurance isn't really "mandated"

Which is my point, it's quite possible in any state to not have car insurance and not be in violation of any law.

As cars become more and more expensive along with fuel, insurance, maintenance, tags and so on fewer and fewer people are going to own cars. We can see this particularly in the younger population, the car makers are quite concerned that getting that driver's license and car isn't the almost automatic rite of passage into adulthood that it was for my generation and more than likely yours as well.

[pnwmom]

109. The auto insurance mandate attaches to the vehicle.

The health insurance mandate attaches to the person.

But a person, if he has a vehicle required to be registered, is mandated to purchase auto insurance in WA.

(I think you're really splitting hairs here.)

[CreekDog]

15. what Straight Story is saying would be a violation of the ACA

what a joke.

[CreekDog]

33. you are correct, it is bullshit, and The Straight Story seems to be trying to say it's not.

your meter is appropriately pegged.

[CreekDog]

12. Community pricing requires the same price per community within age bands

only other charges are for smokers and that is not a huge difference.

you can't be charged more for bad credit.

BS.

right wing BS, from The Straight Story. what a surprise.

[Azathoth]

21. This could be true

I haven't read all 2000 pages of the ACA, but I don't recall reading anything about prohibiting discrimination based on credit or financial history. Traditionally, that would have been something each State was responsible for regulating in its respective market, and this report here

http://www.naic.org/documents/committees_conliaison_1208_consumer_recs_aca.pdf

on the bottom of page 1 seems to indicate that it is still the case.

[CreekDog]

28. No, the exchanges prohibit different pricing based on credit scores

not legal in the exchanges under ACA.

Background

Starting January 1, 2014, insurance companies must adhere to minimum premium rating rules
for individuals and small businesses.
Health plans will be allowed to adjust premiums only for the following factors:

-Self-only or family enrollment
-Geographic area
-Age (except the rate cannot vary by more than 3 to 1 for adults)
-Tobacco use (except the rate cannot vary by more than 1.5 to 1)

Other factors traditionally used by plans to charge higher rates, such as health status and
gender, will no longer be allowed.


http://www.acscan.org/pdf/healthcare/implementation/background/NewFederalRatingRules.pdf

[Azathoth]

37. That seems to be true, but the ACA doesn't specifically prohibit carriers from refusing coverage

to people based on financial history.

The article is muddled. It quotes the broker/Navigator/whatever as saying companies can use the information to choose who they insure, and then the *author* claims the broker said it could result in higher premiums. This could simply be a misstatement, or it could be suggesting that only higher-premium plans will choose to accept people with spotty credit or financial histories.

[CreekDog]

49. no you are wrong, ACA only permits different pricing for age, smoking and geographic area

it does not permit different pricing for credit scores.

now, about the game you are playing here...trying to play games about what the law prohibits versus what it allows, stop it.

it allows different pricing based on the reasons i stated, it prohibits different pricing based on anything else.

time to give it up.

[Azathoth]

52. Christ, it's like talking to Faux News watchers

You don't even read what's posted, just shout a slogan over and over. I didn't say that you will be given a special premium based on your credit history. Read the report I linked. It was commissioned by a progressive philanthropy group fer chrissake.

[grantcart]

69. smoking penalty may not apply at all

http://www.healthbeatblog.com/2013/05/the-affordable-care-act-and-the-smokers-penalty/

[Yo_Mama]

73. That's because you might have to go to a different ins co charging a higher premium

I think this may be legal in Florida.

The issue is that you may choose an insurer who does not accept your application, which would then force you to choose another that will. There is nothing in ACA, as far as I can tell, that says that an insurer offering plans on the exchange has to accept every application it gets, although IMO the regulations could have been written to force it.

If you allow ins cos to selectively accept applications, they will try to cheat the system.

[Gormy Cuss]

80. That section says it *should not* be true.

Elimination of Preexisting Condition Exclusions
•
State regulators and lawmakers should:
o
Prohibit insurers from unreasonably delaying the issuance of a policy.
o
Prohibit insurers from collecting or requesting health information or other personal information beyond what is needed to apply allowable rating factors before an individual is accepted for coverage and broadly define the types of prohibited information to include personal information that relates to health status or that might be used as a proxy for health status, such as credit information or family history.
o
Prohibit insurers from acquiring or requesting information beyond what is included on the uniform enrollment form and extend the exchange’s privacy protections and limitation on the collection of personal information to the markets outside of the exchanges.
o
Prohibit insurers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of factors that relate to health status or may be proxies for health status, such as credit information and family history

[darkangel218]

22. Youre wrong.

They are using Experian only to verify identity. There is no coleration between someone's credit score and premiums.

[Zorra]

24. We need Canadian style universal healthcare, end of story. Fuck Experian, fuck private

health insurance companies, and fuck the government for not telling us about this bullshit beforehand.

It's time for a class action lawsuit.

The government may be able to force us to get insurance or pay a fine, but they cannot force us to have our privacy invaded by a private credit rating corporation in order to buy that insurance.

BTW, my credit score is over 800. This is a matter of principle.

[NoOneMan]

26. Can you handle $0 deductible. 0% copay. Everyone getting equal care regardless of pedigree?

No fancy health insurance commercials and shiny logos? No marketplace to shop in?

Could you handle that?

I'm not sure. I mean, the glorified improved system codifies tiers in society and health outcomes. I'm not sure Americans are ready for sanity

[Zorra]

53. I don't know...but I would dearly love to give it a try.

[NoOneMan]

54. A try implies "effort"

You'd have to move mountains to implement it, but living in a sane caring system is effortless. You don't have to shop at a marketplace. You don't have to pinch pennies. You don't have to keep track of your deductible. You don't have to balance care against your checkbook. You don't have to pay when you leave the doctor or worry about what bill you will get in the mail afterward from the provider or your insurer. You don't have to figure out what providers are in your complicated network.

You just goto the doctor when you are sick

[Politicalboi]

27. So if you're poor and haven't had health care

And had no money to pay your bills, you are going to be denied healthcare? Sounds legit in Florida I suppose. Next they'll ask you how many abortions you've had. Because if you've had too many, you may be a risk. And if they find out you lied, you will go to prison. Yeah sounds legit in Florida.

[CreekDog]

29. no

with all the misinformation about this law, why are some of us so quick to believe anything we read about it?

[R B Garr]

30. So what if your credit score is low because of medical bills

Don't excessive medical bills account for a large percentage of personal bankruptcies? What a vicious circle.

[CreekDog]

36. if your credit score is low, you pay the same premium as those who have high scores

okay?

[R B Garr]

38. Okay, thanks. I was just asking in general, though. Excessive medical bills

are a huge problem for many consumers who might otherwise have maintained all their other bills just fine until medical problems arise and their so-called providers start disallowing costs.

I know that some car insurance companies will check credit scores, but I realize this isn't car insurance.

[liberal_at_heart]

57. I hope you're right.

[BainsBane]

31. I don't believe this

I just don't.

[CreekDog]

34. you are correct not to believe it

but why oh why would The Straight Story post something so crooked?

[tkmorris]

39. You caught on too?

I've been watching this show for literally years, wondering why so few seem to get the overall pattern.

[REP]

44. I don't get it either

Maybe overwhelmed by sheer volume?

[CreekDog]

48. that's why he calls it "The Straight Story"

because you'd never know it was "The Straight Story" from reading it.

[REP]

58. You know what TSS also stands for:

Toxic Shock Syndrome.

[Starry Messenger]

51. Same.

[davidn3600]

40. Your whole life in America is determined by your credit score now

Employers, insurance ,utility companies, landlords, etc..

It used to be a tool for banks to decide whether to give a loan and at what interest rate. Now it's used everywhere to judge someone's "character."

[Egnever]

42. Complete FUD

from Florida what a surprise...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

43. This is probably not true at all.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/08/1245476/-Ridiculous-Florida-TV-Station-Claims-Credit-Scores-Affect-ACA-Premium-Prices?showAll=yes#

As this comment points out, FL didn't set up its own exchange but is using the federal one, so wouldn't we be hearing the same complaint from other states using the federal exchange? Or, maybe this "navigator" is a GOP saboteur?

[steve2470]

45. I don't believe it, only thing I can find is on RW sources

Complete BS until further proof is offered.

[CreekDog]

50. Yes, RW sources. That's how the OP found it.

[MindMover]

55. Pretty soon it will be more than just US citizens that have low credit scores ...

It will be the entire country ....

"If someone is defaulting on all of their bills they may not want to have them as part of their health plan," said Packham, the lead Navigator in Florida. "

[liberal_at_heart]

56. I have bad credit because of medical bills. This is bullshit. Why did Obama let insurance companies

help write ACA? This is why when people glow about ACA, I say we need single payer. ACA simply isn't good enough. We need single payer.

[NYC_SKP]

62. "Click Orlando" is spreading falsehoods.

Last edited Wed Oct 9, 2013, 12:02 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm going to try to prove it but I don't have much time.

EDIT TO REMOVE "I'll bet the "facilitator" in the story is a fake." from subject line.

[ScreamingMeemie]

65. Here's the thing; Florida does not have a state-run exchange.

So, of course, it's a lie.

The state wouldn't need a navigator.

[NYC_SKP]

71. Yup, just did some research.

She's for real but I don't think she really has all the facts and the right answers.

http://live.orlandosentinel.com/Event/Ask_an_Expert_Affordable_Care_Act_Obamacare?Page=2

[Mojorabbit]

87. I am in Fl and we do have navigators. nt

[ScreamingMeemie]

88. The state refuses to acknowledge them... see more info within

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023814294

IOW, y'all are getting screwed just like we are here in Texas, in terms of people who know what is going on enough to answer questions honestly.

[Mojorabbit]

90. They are making it difficult but a few are able to do their job while others wait for approval.

There is some getting around the state's craziness. http://health.wusf.usf.edu/post/compromise-allows-navigators-near-health-dept

[treestar]

76. The falsehoods are spreading like crazy

They know some people are going to believe it.

[NYC_SKP]

95. I've sent a FB friend request to Anne Packham.

She needs to clarify this issue.

Using FB might seem lame but some people respond faster to that than to any other form of communication.

[L0oniX]

63. ...

[Marrah_G]

66. You should really delete this TSS

[Sissyk]

68. Please see ScreamingMeemie's OP debunking this.

We need to stop spreading these lies about ACA.

There are enough problems with getting people signed up as it is. We do not need more fear-mongering.

[NYC_SKP]

70. There was an online discussion for Florida enrollees yesterday carried by Orlando Sentinel.

http://live.orlandosentinel.com/Event/Ask_an_Expert_Affordable_Care_Act_Obamacare?Page=2

If you want an appointment with an navigator, call us at 1-877-564-5031. When you call, please leave your name, phone number, which county you live in and a good time to reach you. We will attempt to return the call within 24 hours. You can also email [e-mail]. Do not leave personal health information on the phone or email.

Can you be turned down at the exchanges because of your credit rating and be forced to pay a penalty instead?
by John 9:42 AM yesterday

John, you can apply for an exemption. Bankruptcy, for example, is one of the conditions that qualify individuals for an exemption. It's estimate that less than .5% (that's half a percent) of the American public will have to pay a penalty. That's because most people will either get covered or will not earn enough to pay for a plan.
by Anne Packham 9:43 AM yesterday

I kind of think that Florida is an exception because they don't have their own state exchanges.
And I don't think that Anne Packham is really sure of her answers.

[Puzzledtraveller]

74. Nope, not believing this.

[geek tragedy]

82. What a shock to find you supporting rightwing lies about the ACA. nt

[TBF]

77. We need more info on this health care "consultant" Ann Packham -

she is the one giving out this story and it is on Free Republic and several right-wing blogs.

I haven't been able to find a connection to the GOP yet, but I bet you it's there.

eta - I already checked Open Secrets.org and couldn't find anything there ...

[NYC_SKP]

81. To be honest, I think she just doesn't have answers and won't admit it. Bad Form.

I did some research and this all seems to be within her field.

Check out this online chat she held yesterday:

http://live.orlandosentinel.com/Event/Ask_an_Expert_Affordable_Care_Act_Obamacare?Page=2

[TBF]

83. That could be it -

her Linked In account does indicate that this is her field. Maybe she just guessed on that question without really having the knowledge. That's certainly possible.

[NYC_SKP]

91. More here thanks to DUer PoliticalAdverse:

See:
http://bobsullivan.net/privacy/credit-bureaus-stand-between-americans-and-new-health-care-exchanges-can-they-answer-the-calls/
https://www.annualmedicalreport.com/credit-reporting-agency-equifax-workforce-solutions-hired-by-hhs-to-verify-incomes-obamacare-insurance-subsidies/

[TBF]

92. Thank you --

Imagine a system where folks were taxed properly and their social security card would qualify them for health care. Everyone gets one when they are born. We use the number in school/college, use it to get health care, etc... It would be so nice if there weren't all these third parties ...

[NYC_SKP]

97. What a difference a day makes...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3818926

[Azathoth]

94. "Lead health care navigator in Florida provides wrong information on credit scores"

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Lead-health-care-navigator-in-Florida-provides-wrong-information-on-credit-scores/-/1637132/22341034/-/md8ohn/-/index.html

[NYC_SKP]

96. "Lead Florida Obamacare Navigator Does Not Understand Law"

http://freebeacon.com/lead-florida-obamacare-navigator-does-not-understand-law/

Lead Florida Obamacare Navigator Does Not Understand Law
Packham retracts earlier claims that Floridians needed to provide credit score to apply for Obamacare

BY: Washington Free Beacon Staff
October 9, 2013 10:50 am

Lead Florida Obamacare Navigator Anne Packham has retracted earlier claims that Floridians must provide their credit score to apply for health insurance, WKMG reports:

A day after telling Local 6 that anyone signing up for the Affordable Care Act had to provide their credit score, the lead navigator in Florida said she was wrong.

Anne Packham, one of many people licensed by the state to help people navigate the government’s website, said on Tuesday that the credit check was put in place so providers can make an educated decision about who to insure.

After receiving numerous emails about the story, Local 6 contacted Packham on Wednesday, and she said her statement was incorrect, adding that users do not need their credit scores to apply for the Affordable Care Act.

Local 6 is investigating how the person in charge of providing information about the Affordable Care Act could make such an error.

The embarrassing flap raises further serious questions about the capability of Obamacare navigators to provide accurate and trustworthy information about healthcare reform.

The “navigators” have access to sensitive personal data such as social security numbers and income, raising privacy concerns.

On Tuesday, Packham incorrectly told WKMG that applicants must provide their credit score to apply for Obamacare: