Setting up an account name and password is easy (step 1).
(Step 2): Get the users personal information using JAVA on their computer [not on the server yet]. This weeds out things like Social Security numbers of 0, blank addresses, email missing the "@" sign and the like.
(Step 3): If JAVA test passes on the client, Email the user with the Transaction number and help line number in case of problems. The user is given a code (based on the encoded Transaction number) and a link to get back to the website to enter the code confirming a good email address and setting up the users expectation that this may take time.
If the email address is bad suggest the help line or to try another one again on their screen. A Valid Email address is required else the help desk is the only option.
STEP 4. After email verification, set a timer and present the user with a time widget saying 'Attempting to Verify Your Information' - If Verification takes more than 15 seconds, email the user agin with the Transaction number and a help line number if more than 24 hrs. This is also put on the screen.
The purpose of the 15 seconds is quickly catch easily bad information that JAVA could not and feed this back to the user to correct it. IT is Not to Verify the social security number (as totally accurate) and all the other Medicare and other checks. The time is to catch obviously bad information quickly and focus it back on the user.
Help line number asks for transaction number first and informs if 24 hours has not passed.
STEP 5: EMAIL NOTIFIES THE USER that the Verification has passed and to proceed or that Verification has failed and why.
Software Tests are done with massive amounts to data to 'test' email addresses with fast code inputting client for a full 48 hour test. This is the way you handle massive amounts of traffic - which was obviously not done here.
DOH!
That’s what I was trying to say—yes, they’re not working because of shoddy design work. But also, they did require to put in loads of PID just to get quotes (presumably both to grab more data and to cushion the sticker shock for those getting subsidies).