Representative Horton again brought up the length of time it takes to process an application. Ms. Cheatham related that people are told it takes about 45 days to process an application. Representative Horton reiterated that complaints she has received indicate that a minimum of two months is a more realistic time frame. Representative Horton queried what the effective date of coverage is once an application is approved. Ms. Cheatham replied that it depends on when the individual pays the premium.
Applicants have to prepay two months of premiums.
Senator Grace suggested that a change might be considered to make the coverage retroactive. Cochairman Knaperek commented that there might be a problem collecting two months of premiums. She asked whether this is still a requirement. Ms. Cheatham replied in the affirmative. Senator Grace raised the concern that if an individual has to go to the emergency room, there could be hundreds of dollars at issue.