Paperless App. Process

Featuring its patent-pending electronic processing interchange technology—which combines the use of online applications, electronic signatures, electronic payment and secure PDF generation with encryption key and electronic transfer of applications to the carrier—eHealthInsurance (Sunnyvale, CA) has rolled out what it says is the first paperless online health insurance application process.

The electronic signature process, says Sam Gibbs, senior vice president and general manager, eHealthInsurance, is where the heart of the patent lies. The use of e-signatures in insurance is not unique, he concedes, but stresses that eHealthInsurance's approach is different. Instead of electronically signing an application in a number of places, eHealthInsurance's electronic signature process enables potential policyholders to check boxes throughout the online application. When checked, these boxes establish a consumer's intent to be bound when the application is accompanied by an electronic signature in eHealthInsurance's dual-line signature block.

Potential policyholders can endorse online applications in the signature block by typing their names twice and including the date, city and time. According to Gibbs, it took eHealthInsurance's attorney Nick Patel six months to convince state departments of insurance that such a signature was valid. This type of e-signature is valid in all states except New York. "When you dig deep into e-signature legislation," says Gibbs, one constant is that "consumers must provide their intention to be bound."

Also part of the pending patent is the use of electronic payments and smart application technology that eliminates application rework, Gibbs says.