The Trump
administration has halted $5 million worth of Obamacare advertising and
outreach in the crucial days ahead of the final enrollment deadline on Jan. 31.
Outreach is
critical in the final days of the enrollment period to remind consumers --
particularly younger ones -- of the deadline. Sign ups typically surge during
this time. A year ago, nearly 700,000 people selected plans a week before the
final deadline.
The move was
confirmed to CNN by Ben Wakana, a former Health and Human Services department
spokesman in the Obama administration who is in contact with the current
department staff.
White House
and HHS spokespeople did not return requests for comment.
Hours after
taking office, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at weakening
Obamacare, with the goal of repealing it eventually. Congress has begun the
process of dismantling major provisions of the law, but remains divided over
how to replace it.
The
advertising campaign, which was planned prior to the election, included
promotions on television, as well as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and the
social gaming platform Twitch. Former HHS officials were focusing on getting
more young adults to sign up since they are often healthier and offset the
higher costs of older enrollees.
The abrupt
end to the advertising campaign did not affect the federal exchange website,
healthcare.gov, which continues to operate and accept new applications. Also,
the agency's website continues to direct viewers to enroll in "an
affordable health plan" at healthcare.gov.
Former HHS
officials and supporters of the law were angered by the Trump administration's
move.
"The
Trump administration's outrageous decision tonight to sabotage open enrollment
will mean coverage could cost more next year and insurers could drop out of the
marketplace," said Kevin Counihan, former CEO of healthcare.gov.
"Having health insurance is still law of the land. If the president and
Republicans in Congress want to change that, they should come up with a plan
and show it to the American people, rather than depriving Americans of the
chance to sign up for coverage and financial assistance they remain eligible
for."
Ron Pollack,
executive director of health care advocacy group Families USA, called the
action "mean-spirited," noting the ads were already paid for.
"It
belies President Trump's promise that he wants to make sure everybody gets
health care," said Pollack.
Source:
CNNMoney
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