INVASION OF PRIVACY: The government can “imagine some people may be upset” but also that some “will be comforted and relieved at getting the help they need to navigate a confusing process.” “The quotes are from Peter Lee, the executive director of California health exchange, about sending private insurance companies the contact information for individuals who started an application on the website but did not complete the process. They also did not agree to be contacted by insurance agents. This release of information was no accident, but a new program designed to get people signed up.”

When private companies do this sort of thing, it’s a crime. When the government does it, it’s supposed to be a comfort.