New draft of healthcare reform application may get scrapped

“Tell us about yourself,” implores the first page of the Obama administration’s application for the uninsured to obtain coverage.

The 15-page form asks about age, race, income and employer-based health insurance, according to a draft of the application obtained by the Associated Press. The online version has 21 steps, the outlet said.

Photos show that the draft, dated Jan. 16, 2013, features big type and orange details. The AP reported that the form is being revamped after critics feared it might be too daunting for some Americans, who then wouldn’t finish the application.

After all, even after submitting all the required information – which will be evaluated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and at least two healthcare agencies – consumers still have to pick a healthcare plan.

Under the Affordable Care Act law, Americans are obligated to have healthcare insurance by Jan. 1, 2014, or pay a penalty. That fee is set for $95 in 2014, but could increase to nearly $700 by 2016 if current the rule proposals are approved.

The form will be used to apply for federal health insurance options or tax credits in order to make buying it more affordable.