Healthcare.gov could not create a Marketplace account

When I initially tried to create an account at Healthcare.gov last week, I repeatedly encountered errors stating that an account couldn't be created. These errors came at the end of a multi-page application form. Each time I encountered an error, I had to start over: reentering my information.




On some attempts, it gave me an error stating that my security question answers cannot be the same. However, I had given different answers to each of the security questions I answered.




At some point in my many attempts, Healthcare.gov told me that my username already exists. This suggests that a previous failed account creation attempt partially completed; and that I now have data in the system in an unexpected state -- a state that might negatively impact the system.

To continue, I had to create another username that met their overly complex username restrictions.

I made about a dozen attempts spread out over several hours before I was able to successfully create an account. Forcing me to reenter all my information, and spreading that out across multiple web pages, added to my frustration.

And by the time I finally got the account created, I could not remember the username or password I had given the system. I then tried to use the site's feature to retrieve a forgotten username. However, that never sent me the emails it said it sent. I called support. They told me to wait 3 days to receive emails.

I then restarted the whole process with a third email address.