General Discussion

frazzled

(18,402 posts)

20. The government is as suspicious of you as you are of them

Fri Oct 11, 2013, 12:12 AM

Oct 2013

You have to see it from their point of view as well. They need to be sure that you are really who you say you are because (1) they may be doling out thousands of dollars a year to you in subsidies; (2) you might try to use someone's identity who has lower income to get a better subsidy; (3) you might be someone trying to buy it for cousin Vinnie, who doesn't qualify for one reason or another; etc.

You have to show your drivers license every time you go to the airport, and often times at stores when you want to use your credit card. While worry about identity theft is real, it's ironic that it was someone close to you--your brother--who actually stole it, not some government worker trying to do their job. I wouldn't worry about the government so much.

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My wife called the ACA verification line and after speaking to a rep she will not be proceeding any [View all] diabeticman Oct 2013 OP

Pretty standard to ask for a photocopy of ID. Barack_America Oct 2013 #1

A perfectly legitimate concern 1000words Oct 2013 #2

Legitimate concern but most any insurance asks for all this info except for birth cert. kelliekat44 Oct 2013 #33

Passport is a good idea 1000words Oct 2013 #40

You don't have to be a US citizen Boudica the Lyoness Oct 2013 #67

no it's not Pretzel_Warrior Oct 2013 #163

I hope you don't ever have to move then pnwmom Oct 2013 #3

i think the concern is with sending it to them. ejpoeta Oct 2013 #81

I had to send in my birth certificate when I applied for Social Security. I was scared I wouldn't CTyankee Oct 2013 #83

I don't have a problem giving government or their contractors that info, they already have it Hoyt Oct 2013 #4

When you give that info to your employer or Doctor's office you can hold them accountable IF diabeticman Oct 2013 #13

No. You can't. Jakes Progress Oct 2013 #132

When you see a doctor they'll xerox your drivers license, take your SS# flamingdem Oct 2013 #5

BUT you can hold the doctor's office or employer responsible IF your idenity is stolen from their diabeticman Oct 2013 #8

Think of her % chance of Identity Theft with millions signing up flamingdem Oct 2013 #11

You wouldn't believe some of the cases she has heard in her duty of Federal Grand Jury. If has diabeticman Oct 2013 #14

Rule of thumb: If you call them, it's generally safe. moriah Oct 2013 #19

your most sensitive information is firewalled in the government Shivering Jemmy Oct 2013 #24

Oh christ, the government owns your records already. phleshdef Oct 2013 #29

going by your logic she shouldn't have to verify her idenity. diabeticman Oct 2013 #35

Um no, my logic draws nowhere near that conclusion. phleshdef Oct 2013 #38

I believe the OP's concern is Nuclear Unicorn Oct 2013 #75

so does she pay for anything by check or credit card? much more likely to get ellenfl Oct 2013 #82

Ah, yes, the NSA. That bastion of thorough employee screening. Nuclear Unicorn Oct 2013 #86

i'm just saying that if you think you have privacy, you have another think coming. ellenfl Oct 2013 #128

what are you smoking? That ID would PROVE that you are who you say you are Pretzel_Warrior Oct 2013 #164

+1 LOL B Calm Oct 2013 #77

Sounds to me like the rep was trying to REGISTER her for a plan rather than Drew Richards Oct 2013 #6

Anywhere you get insurance you will be requried to provide proof of identity, Agnosticsherbet Oct 2013 #7

Again --as a I said above--You go to the hospital someone steals your info and uses it you can diabeticman Oct 2013 #16

Unlikely. They'll always blame someone else. Barack_America Oct 2013 #28

how do you prove where the info was stolen from? Mosby Oct 2013 #30

It is not BS to be paranoid about indenity thief in this day and age. diabeticman Oct 2013 #37

It is if you take it to the point of denying yourself healthcare coverage. Nt Barack_America Oct 2013 #43

well you convience my wife. She is the type of person who doesn't sign up for store cards. diabeticman Oct 2013 #44

This message was self-deleted by its author Barack_America Oct 2013 #45

At some point if she wants the help she is going to have to give some information Marrah_G Oct 2013 #98

Or the place where you work, the school where you send your children, the DMV. Agnosticsherbet Oct 2013 #32

For passportxs you send original docs,not copies elehhhhna Oct 2013 #154

When is the last time you filed forms for coverage? MrMickeysMom Oct 2013 #9

BUT when my wife gives that info to the employer they can be held accountable for someone diabeticman Oct 2013 #18

The rationality behind this doesn't make sense drexelkathy Oct 2013 #104

I'm really not trying to sound mean here... but it's the government. moriah Oct 2013 #10

Edward Snowden! How about a few years back when laptops got stolen by military contractor that diabeticman Oct 2013 #21

And in the last year I've gotten notices my data's been compromised 3 times moriah Oct 2013 #25

statistical blip Shivering Jemmy Oct 2013 #27

Yeah, whatever you do, Mr.Bill Oct 2013 #12

I'm a property manager Sedona Oct 2013 #15

But Sedona IF you or a employee stoled that info about your tenants would YOU not be held diabeticman Oct 2013 #26

I am a licensed real estate agent in two states Sedona Oct 2013 #42

My wife isn't that trusting. After a year of Federal Grand jury and the two slum lords we have had diabeticman Oct 2013 #48

Well, then enjoy your penalties, higher premiums, increased healthcare costs and shorter lifespan Sedona Oct 2013 #55

I knpw you aren't a slumlord but you know our history. and don't talk like we are repugs she is diabeticman Oct 2013 #61

That is easily prevented by putting a "freeze' on your credit. Sedona Oct 2013 #63

Pretty much this. If you're worried about, freeze your credit. Chathamization Oct 2013 #178

Performance Art alcibiades_mystery Oct 2013 #17

undoubtedly Pretzel_Warrior Oct 2013 #64

whatever. Legitimate concern is either from drama queens or trolls right?! diabeticman Oct 2013 #66

OK, there, O'Keefe alcibiades_mystery Oct 2013 #72

Yeah, that was funny! sammytko Oct 2013 #92

So I'm not the only one with suspicions. Barack_America Oct 2013 #93

You could have gone with "White people problems", "Thank you for your concern", or "where's my pony" hughee99 Oct 2013 #134

Oh, I don't merely dismiss the OP's "concerns" alcibiades_mystery Oct 2013 #136

LOL! I'm with you! backscatter712 Oct 2013 #170

+1 tallahasseedem Oct 2013 #150

Yep! n/t backscatter712 Oct 2013 #168

The government is as suspicious of you as you are of them frazzled Oct 2013 #20

This is in no way an ACA problem. TroglodyteScholar Oct 2013 #22

I'm glad that they are taking precautions to prevent fraud. NYC_SKP Oct 2013 #23

You really have to do all that? I don't even have a copy of my birth certificate, and I haven't liberal_at_heart Oct 2013 #31

Do you have a driver's license? Can you photocopy that? moriah Oct 2013 #34

Then there needs to be help available for people to get their documentation. liberal_at_heart Oct 2013 #39

March 31st isn't long enough? moriah Oct 2013 #41

more like 4 months in order to make sure your coverage kicks in in time to avoid a fine. liberal_at_heart Oct 2013 #47

I've never said there weren't problems. moriah Oct 2013 #89

That's ironic because everything you mentioned was issued to her or created by the government Lint Head Oct 2013 #36

Yep. I'm not buying it. But I've offered him a list of places to apply in person. DevonRex Oct 2013 #50

OK. I can get you a place to apply IN PERSON. Will that help? 38 places in PA alone. DevonRex Oct 2013 #46

Hey my wife has no facebook account. She doesn't sign up for store cars and she is very concern diabeticman Oct 2013 #56

OK. DevonRex Oct 2013 #58

The Government has all this information on file in various departments. THEY R verifying U R U. nt Tigress DEM Oct 2013 #49

Umm.. i dont recall one single private insurance i ever had that didnt ask for my ID. darkangel218 Oct 2013 #51

What they asked for are all government-created documents bhikkhu Oct 2013 #52

I was frustrated by the website, so I called the toll free #, and the rep. took my application. Denninmi Oct 2013 #53

Plain stupidity, those types of information are standard for any health insurance. DrewFlorida Oct 2013 #54

My wife is a liberal! You want to call us trolls that's fine but we know we are not! and my wife's diabeticman Oct 2013 #62

like getting stabbed by a unicorn. The fear is real but impractical and not based in reality TeamPooka Oct 2013 #70

How did you know I'm afraid of unicorns? mahina Oct 2013 #124

:) TeamPooka Oct 2013 #126

With all due respect, don't you think you're being a little melodramatic? PragmaticLiberal Oct 2013 #110

i came to that conclusion long ago TeamPooka Oct 2013 #125

Though I understand the concern CC Oct 2013 #57

You really have to put things in perspective ecstatic Oct 2013 #59

Apply for ACA Exchanges IN PERSON at HRSA Clinics. Link:... Tx4obama Oct 2013 #60

The fine ratchets up real quick taught_me_patience Oct 2013 #65

Anyone who has ever filled out and application for Medicaid, or other welfare program has to jwirr Oct 2013 #68

about info MFM008 Oct 2013 #69

Then just pay the fine. It's your choice. JDPriestly Oct 2013 #71

Either not all GeorgeGist Oct 2013 #73

Have you ever applied for private health insurance before? Jeff In Milwaukee Oct 2013 #74

You need to provide your financials, specifics, your personal data Puzzledtraveller Oct 2013 #76

cool story, bro! scheming daemons Oct 2013 #78

paranoia. ...you have the similar requirements beachbum bob Oct 2013 #79

I apologize MannyGoldstein Oct 2013 #80

Really? Ohio Joe Oct 2013 #91

To private companies? MannyGoldstein Oct 2013 #94

The OP does not appear to be talking about private companies Ohio Joe Oct 2013 #97

I expect that the OP has no problem providing those things on their tax forms MannyGoldstein Oct 2013 #101

Yeah, how would someone know a letter addressed to the IRS would have sensitive information. (nt) jeff47 Oct 2013 #130

I believe that it's in posession of the US government once MannyGoldstein Oct 2013 #139

Because mailboxes are bastions of security jeff47 Oct 2013 #140

Um, not *those* mailboxes MannyGoldstein Oct 2013 #141

We had to stop using the big blue one on the corner jeff47 Oct 2013 #144

That. Sucks. MannyGoldstein Oct 2013 #146

At that time, a suburb of Los Angeles. jeff47 Oct 2013 #152

No ID required to vote for it, why Id required to join it ? NM_Birder Oct 2013 #99

Because you are buying insurance Ohio Joe Oct 2013 #102

another one................ NM_Birder Oct 2013 #105

Why can't you join? Ohio Joe Oct 2013 #108

I can, if I wanted .......... NM_Birder Oct 2013 #115

While I understand her concern left is right Oct 2013 #84

Are you planning to forego Medicare and Social Security when you get to enough Oct 2013 #85

You don't even have to have a computer for ID theft. Zen Democrat Oct 2013 #87

Indian outsourcers see business booming as Obamacare kicks in antigop Oct 2013 #88

Don't apply for a mortgage loan then. nt Lex Oct 2013 #90

No ID required to vote. Why ID required for the ACA ? NM_Birder Oct 2013 #95

Means-tested public benefits all require proof of identity and income. moriah Oct 2013 #100

"Voting doesn't cost a penny"....the people who voted NM_Birder Oct 2013 #103

And what does it take to get a copy of an ID by March 31st? moriah Oct 2013 #107

No ID no ACA acceptance. Your voter reg card means squat in the ACA. NM_Birder Oct 2013 #116

Really? Look at the OP, sweetheart. moriah Oct 2013 #118

I'm not your sweetheart, you are wrong and kind of an ass about it. NM_Birder Oct 2013 #123

Please show me where I'm wrong, then. I'm basing this off of what the OP said. moriah Oct 2013 #135

a Democratic Underground OP be wrong... NO WAY ! NM_Birder Oct 2013 #137

Read my edit, please. moriah Oct 2013 #138

Your ACA card WILL suffice as a voter ID card.. NM_Birder Oct 2013 #142

... and still, no sourcing for your information RE: what is acceptable documentation to register. moriah Oct 2013 #147

Read my post below. NM_Birder Oct 2013 #145

The elderly are covered by Medicare, no ACA involved at all. To get that Medicare one has Bluenorthwest Oct 2013 #109

Who says no ID to vote? Not the case here in Georgia. RebelOne Oct 2013 #143

Perhaps there is a place you could go in person to help you sign up Marrah_G Oct 2013 #96

People can find places to sign up in person by using this clickable map: PoliticAverse Oct 2013 #121

Um, the Federal Gov already has her SSN, and the state has her SSN and driver's license magical thyme Oct 2013 #106

Um, but not the employee on the other end of the line, possibly a prison inmate or foreign employee. AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #114

the employee at the other end of what line? magical thyme Oct 2013 #153

The first words in the OP: "My wife called the ACA verification LINE ..." (emphasis added) AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #157

Oh, the phone line. Again, the identity horse left the barn long ago. magical thyme Oct 2013 #159

Saying that there have been identity thefts in the past should not comfort anyone, nor should AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #160

everybody knows there have been identity thefts in the past magical thyme Oct 2013 #161

The fact that "everybody knows ... " means we should learn from our experiences, not ignore them. AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #166

that doesn't mean you stop living to keep from having your identity stolen. magical thyme Oct 2013 #167

Of course not. Who, other than you, said that it did? AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #169

the OP is about someone who refuses to sign up for ACA because of concerns about ID theft magical thyme Oct 2013 #171

Obviously. It also should be obvious that it is a false equivalency to equate "stop living" with AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #173

hardly. I gave many examples of day to day living that require giving up your SSN. magical thyme Oct 2013 #174

Your examples are beside the point. Not relevant at all. AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #175

I give the OP low marks for inconsistent style and characterization. Bluenorthwest Oct 2013 #111

Who is receiving this information? Prison inmates hired by private companies. Employees in foreign AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #112

Insurance co's have always asked for this info fitman Oct 2013 #113

Shoot, when I signed up for SS they knew everything about me. leftyladyfrommo Oct 2013 #117

Your wife's I 9 documentation is exactly like the ACA requirements displacedtexan Oct 2013 #119

Apply for ACA Exchanges IN PERSON at HRSA Clinics. ProSense Oct 2013 #120

Like an employee at any insurance company couldn't do the same. Ikonoklast Oct 2013 #122

I see her point. I would not put those docs in the mail either. Myrina Oct 2013 #127

They wont do it in person either. Folks upthread have given the info how to do it in person. stevenleser Oct 2013 #177

You are very naive. Jakes Progress Oct 2013 #129

Good luck getting private insurance without having to give out that information. Downtown Hound Oct 2013 #131

If I read this correctly, they didn't ask for much more than a credit check. chelsea0011 Oct 2013 #133

I have applied for insurance on the private market before. Laelth Oct 2013 #148

I know, right? penultimate Oct 2013 #158

your wife blueknight Oct 2013 #149

Just pay the fine Capt. Obvious Oct 2013 #151

dman, with all due respect, elehhhhna Oct 2013 #155

Nearly anything you do that requires you to be identified needs something like an drivers license/ID penultimate Oct 2013 #156

are you serious? You've probably given 10 times that info to big corporations Pretzel_Warrior Oct 2013 #162

never applied for a loan? the bank will ask for all of that as well as your assets and credit score arely staircase Oct 2013 #165

I have to give a copy of my DL and SS card when I am hired. They only want one. NBD Tuesday Afternoon Oct 2013 #172

People give a whole lot of info every day to insurance companies, medical offices, banks, lawyers, blm Oct 2013 #176

If you have kids in a school system whistler162 Oct 2013 #179

She probably has to prove she's a citizen gollygee Oct 2013 #180