Employee Benefit News for School, City and County Employers

Obama administration invests in health reform promotion

Written by Valerie Ortiz | Sep 17, 2013 4:16:11 PM

Public sector employees may soon be able to understand how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will affect their insurance benefits and how the upcoming exchanges will work thanks to a new advertising campaign by President Barack Obama's administration.

According to Poltico, the administration is set to invest at least $12 million in promotional marketing for the healthcare exchanges in 13 states, including Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio. All of the targeted states except Missouri have Republican governors in office. Many of these governors have voiced their opposition to the ACA and the upcoming health insurance marketplaces. 

The Hill reported the multimillion-dollar plan will begin on Sept. 30 to ensure residents of those Republican-led states understand how to enroll and participate in the exchanges. With many states already ready for the Oct. 1 opening of the marketplaces, The Hill reported it is crucial that more residents have the knowledge they need to make the right decision for their own health needs.

According to Poltico, a spokeswoman for the Department of health and Human Services (HHS) said the large scale of the advertising campaign will help more Americans make an educated decision about their health insurance.