Can a customer use a PO Box as their physical address when completing an application?

A customer cannot use a PO Box as their physical address when completing an application because both the physical and mailing addresses must reflect a residential address. The purpose of requiring a residential address is to confirm the consumer's residence for accurate enrollment, eligibility determination, and the delivery of services and benefits.

Using a physical address, rather than a PO Box, ensures that the marketplace can verify some basic elements of an applicant's identity and residency, which is crucial for both operational reasons and compliance with regulations. This requirement helps in creating a stable connection between the individual and the state or provider, which is necessary for healthcare access, accurate premium calculations, and more.

Hence, while customers can use a PO Box for receiving mail, it does not substitute the need for a verified residential address in the application process.