Health Care 'Data Hub' Updates

For months, the government has been under increasing downward pressure to complete the data hub that will ensure consumers a quick and safe enrollment process come October 1st. The chief technology officer of the United States, Todd Park, announced this past Tuesday that the system has successfully completed security testing. This test comes weeks earlier than the previously anticipated completion date of September 30th, just one day before the exchanges are expected to open. The system will verify Social Security numbers, immigration status, and an array of other information that will enable consumers to purchase health plans and qualify for subsidies in real time. This information is gathered through a number of federal agencies including the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Homeland Security. Still, with the test complete, many individuals are worrying about the hurried nature of the system's construction and the potential threat of mishaps and outside hacks occurring on October 1st. Administration officials are responding to these comments by issuing statements confirmation the rigorous tests being issued prior to October 1st, and that only qualified individuals are being given access to the information the system contains.