HCR Update from Mark Sanna: Yesterday, federal officials released simplified application forms to be used by people seeking health insurance, tax credits and other government subsidies under the law, which Mr. Obama signed 3 years ago. The new application forms — one for individuals is 3 pages long, and another for families is 7 pages — are significantly shorter than a 21-page draft that the administration circulated earlier this year. Major provisions of the law take effect next Jan. 1, when most Americans will be required to have health insurance.