Remember when the president touted the ease with which consumers would be able to get a health insurance policy under Obamacare? It would be almost as easy as shopping on the internet, we were told.

Oh, really? How many retail companies would stay in business if they required that you fill out a 15 page form before being able to purchase a pair of shoes?

Associated Press:

Applying for benefits under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul could be as daunting as doing your taxes.

The government's draft application is now on the Internet.

It runs 15 pages for a three-person family. The online version has 21 steps, some with added questions.

At least three major federal agencies, including the IRS, will scrutinize your application.

That's just the first part of the process, which lets you know if you qualify for financial help.

You'd still have to pick a health plan.

Some fear that consumers will be overwhelmed and give up. Administration officials say the application form is being refined.

Still, the idea that picking a health insurance plan could be as simple as shopping on the Internet is starting to look like wishful thinking.

I imagine health insurance salesmen (and probably tax preparers as well) will be set up to help consumers with the application process. Then there will be attorneys who specialize in appeals if a subsidy isn't granted or the IRS says your policy isn't legal.

Lawyers and paper pushers will be the big beneficiaries of Obamacare. Welcome to our brave, new, world.