Since its launch on Oct. 1, the kinks in the website for people to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act continue to get sorted out.

Some are finding out there is information needed on hand before getting insurance.

The process can be tougher than signing up for a new credit card.

“They knew that I purchased pet insurance? Wow,” said insurance representative Michael Grace as he followed the steps to sign up.

Grace has been advising people on new insurance plans available through the Affordable Care Act.

The process is becoming clearer now that more issues have been taken care of.

Those signing up have found they need their social security number, tax returns and financial history information on hand. In Grace’s case, remembering that he purchased pet insurance two years ago.

“I’m getting excited myself because this is almost the furthest that I’ve been into the system,” he said.

Grace has had success where some people haven’t, actually getting to create a profile and getting one step closer to choosing an insurance plan.

Using the online system, you have to provide a working email address to validate his identification.

Grace was prompted contact credit agency Experian because he didn’t answer a question correctly, leaving him stuck until he does.

Once you finalize your plan, you’ll receive an insurance card about a week after signing up, but it won’t be valid until Jan. 1.

To fill that gap, the Primary Care Access Network can help.

“Most places, it's $15 (to) $20. Some places have absolutely free care if you are completely indigent and have no source of income,” explained Anne Packham, with PCAN.

PCAN is a Central Florida referral service for the uninsured to receive free or low-cost health care.

It works by connecting patients in need with doctors and hospitals who often donate time, services and goods.

Even by signing up for a plan through the Affordable Care Act, PCAN is a good resource to have on hand.

“There may be some specialty treatment that you need, physical therapy that may not be covered under your package. Then you would get a referral to one of our organizations,” Packham said.

To help keep their overhead costs down, PCAN does not operate every day, but you can reach a specialist by visiting pcanorangecounty.com.