It doesn't just "query a database", it talks to a whole slew of 20-year-old legacy systems on all different platforms at a whole list of other government agencies. In the process of signing up and creating your profile, here are a few of the systems, all maintained and managed by other departments, that this website has to communicate with in real-time:
* The IRS to verify your AGI, family size and marital status
* The SSA to verify your social security number, SS benefit status and incarceration status
* The DHS SAVE system to verify your citizenship and immigration status
* The DOD, VA, Office of Personnel and Peace Corps to check if you're already enrolled in health programs through their services
Just to name a few, and all of which can be external bottlenecks the team behind Healthcare.gov can't control. You're seriously underestimating the complexity of this website. They've hidden it well!
* The IRS to verify your AGI, family size and marital status
* The SSA to verify your social security number, SS benefit status and incarceration status
* The DHS SAVE system to verify your citizenship and immigration status
* The DOD, VA, Office of Personnel and Peace Corps to check if you're already enrolled in health programs through their services
Just to name a few, and all of which can be external bottlenecks the team behind Healthcare.gov can't control. You're seriously underestimating the complexity of this website. They've hidden it well!