Inflating Income to Get Help...

[G.Gordon]

I've documented two cases that upon finding out what the lower limit for help, increased their income to just at the line. It is documented by others in the office and or printing copies of the application when we put in the correct income. Then they have a later entry in our database for the "fictional income" to qualify.


What do you do? Call em a liar and challenge their "realization" that they actually make more than they thought a few minutes ago?


I have one tonight, mom wants daughter that only works part time, but makes "cash" from mom's rental business to get insurance on the exchange and get it free. The daughter might make $6k in real documented income, what if I go on this apt and mom/daughter claim she makes the min,?

 

[HealthGuy]

Is there a law against being optimistic with projected income to qualify for an Obamacare subsidy and keeping yourself outta Medicaid?

 

[G.Gordon]

That is the "pivot point" of this issue, it only ask for an "estimated 2014" income.


Who's to blame if a person "thought I was getting more hours", "thought I was getting a raise", "thought I could keep that job", etc.


One of focuses here is also, "how do we cover our asses for those doing this in our office". Opinions please.

 

[HealthGuy]

Why does everyone seem so paranoid on this issue? Its the client that projects income, not you. Done and done. NEXT

 

[RayNY]

Healthguy,

I see it the same way. Client attests that the information is "complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge" when they sign the app. We have no clue what they make, beyond what they tell us.

As brokers, there has not been a precedent set for our responsibility to verify the information given to us by a client, especially after the client signs a legal document sent to the federal government attesting that it's true.

It's a sketchy situation, and you have every right to refuse to help them if it makes you that uncomfortable. We've all turned down business at some point.

(I have had a client do this, but as an independent real estate broker, they've had $250,000 years and $10,000 years, and everything in-between. $16,000 was the figure they estimated, and while it's reasonable, possible, and follows precedent, I guarantee it's wrong. There is nothing we can do besides explain the repercussions of the decision and allow them to decide.)

 

[Quotebroker]

The question is when they are asked for "Proof of Income" from the exchange, and they submit the 6k, what happens?

 

[pahealthquotes]

The question is when they are asked for "Proof of Income" from the exchange, and they submit the 6k, what happens?

current administration wants as many enrolled as possible, I don't think they'll be going after those who overstate their income to avoid Medicaid.

 

[YouGotMyMoney]

The question is when they are asked for "Proof of Income" from the exchange, and they submit the 6k, what happens?

Who says their ever gonna open their mail?

 

[RayNY]

If they submit the proof of income for $6k, they just have to provide a reason for the disparity. "I expect a raise" or "I'm starting a second job" is all they need to hear from you-they can't prove you won't get a raise or take on a second job.

 

[Quotebroker]

If they submit the proof of income for $6k, they just have to provide a reason for the disparity. "I expect a raise" or "I'm starting a second job" is all they need to hear from you-they can't prove you won't get a raise or take on a second job.

If that's the case, it makes you wonder why they would ask for proof at all.