The hub — which would gather information from federal agencies and state governments — is set to go online Oct. 1, along with the insurance exchanges. The hub will be used to process applications for health insurance and determine eligibility for tax credits to cover the cost of premiums.
Last month, the HHS Office of Inspector General issued a report that raised concerns about the progress of the hub’s development. According to the report, a CMS contractor missed scheduled deadlines for submitting security documents concerning the hub. However, CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner told Congress and HHS the hub would be operationally secure by the time the exchanges open for enrollment Oct. 1.
The hub has spurred criticism from various policymakers who have questioned its security, saying it creates unprecedented potential for identity theft and abuse of personal information. In August, Senate Finance Committee ranking member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to assess the security of the data hub. Additionally, Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.) introduced a bill earlier this year that would delay the hub’s launch due to security concerns.
A House Committee on Homeland Security subcommittee will hold a hearing today on the security and reliability of the data hub.
More Articles on the PPACA Data Hub:
Sen. Orrin Hatch Requests PPACA Data Hub Evaluation
PPACA Data Hub Deadlines Not Met, HHS Says
GOP Rep Seeks to Delay PPACA Insurance Data Hub
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