My wife managed to get onto healthcare.gov and communicate with an online navigator via "Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat." My wife entered her name as "Brenda." I think the conversation speaks for itself. Here it is, without edits.

[12:40:56 pm]: Thanks for contacting Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat. Please wait while we connect you to someone who can help.

[12:41:00 pm]:  Please be patient while we're helping other people.

[12:41:19 pm]: Welcome! You're now connected to Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat. Thanks for contacting us. My name is LaTonya. To protect your privacy, please don't provide any personal information, like Social Security Number, or any other sensitive medical or personal information.

[12:41:49 pm]: LaTonya

hello

[12:42:09 pm]: Brenda

Hi LaTonya! How will I prove that I already have insurance (not thru the exchange) so my income tax refund is not withheld?

[12:42:48 pm]: LaTonya

Thank you for your question today. It will take me just a moment to review and respond to your question.

[12:44:46 pm]: LaTonya

Thank you for your patience. I am still researching that information.

[12:45:00 pm]: Brenda

I'm still here, thank you.

[12:52:10 pm]: LaTonya

you will not need to provide prrof of insurance for your taxes

[12:52:17 pm]: LaTonya

I apologize for the inconvenience.

[12:53:11 pm]: Brenda

No worries. But if I don't provide proof that I have insurance, how will the IRS know not to fine me for not having insurance (when I really do have it?)

[12:54:52 pm]: LaTonya

you can talk to your human resource about your concern. they will have more information on that. The IRS will know if you have insurance are not

[12:56:19 pm]: Brenda

I don't have a job or a human resource so they won't let the IRS know for me. I am just a person who has insurance. It would be awful to have my refund held back if the IRS doesn't know I have coverage already. How can I avoid that problem please?

[12:56:21 pm]: LaTonya

Do you have any other questions that I can help you with?

[12:56:56 pm]: LaTonya

Thank you for your question today. It will take me just a moment to review and respond to your question.

[12:57:42 pm]: LaTonya

You can send your proof to IRS

[12:58:31 pm]: Brenda

What address would I send it too please?

[1:00:07 pm]: LaTonya

Thank you for your patience. I am still researching that information.

[1:00:49 pm]: Brenda

I'm sorry if this is too weird a question right now when you have so much going on.

[1:01:14 pm]: LaTonya

Private insurance companies offer health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. These health insurance plans must meet government standards and be approved. You may apply for public Medicaid or coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program coverage using the same application.

[1:02:43 pm]: LaTonya

im sorry you will need to contact the irs for the address are you can google the address

[1:05:16 pm]: Brenda

I'm pretty sure you did your best, thank you. I'm also pretty sure I can't just send a copy of my insurance card to an IRS address I find on Google and expect to avoid any problems. But that's okay, I will check back in a few months. No problem, it's new for all of us. Have a great day. Bye.

[1:05:57 pm]: LaTonya

I apologize for the inconvenience.

[1:07:26 pm]: Your chat session is over. Thanks for contacting us, and we hope we've answered your questions. Have a great day.

[1:07:26 pm]: 10/24/2013

[1:08:58 pm]: Your chat session is over. Thanks for contacting us, and we hope we've answered your questions. Have a great day.

[1:08:58 pm]: 10/24/2013

Randall Hoven can be followed on Twitter or randallhoven.com.