HCR allows citizens to browse the QHPs offered in the exchange. This process, unlike the application processes does not require the creation of a user account because there is no eligibility determination - the citizen is simply looking at the plans available on the exchange. The information which is asked is restricted to only that which can affect the quote for a monthly premium for plans offered by carriers - for each member that is the date of birth and tobacco usage, and the zip code for household. Plan providers are restricted to vary plan premiums for households in the exchange based on four factors: age, tobacco usage, family size, and geography. Legislation prohibits the use of other rating factors such as current health status or medical history
The application script to capture this minimal set of information is very short, and the HCR eligibility results page is presented to the individual - consistent with the other applications available in the solution. And as with those other processes, plans are displayed in a plan management system - the plans are displayed along with the monthly premium that has been calculated.
There is no ability for a citizen to select and enroll in plans within the plan management system. Having browsed the available plans, if an individual decides they want to apply for a plan, they must complete the application process in full, which requires them to return to the HCR landing page and start the application, create a user account and determine eligibility.