They Said It…
The New York Times has an interesting story today on market research taken by groups attempting to build support for Obamacare, and encourage Americans to sign up for insurance plans in the law’s Exchanges. Among the more interesting passages were the following two paragraphs:
Lake Research Partners recommended that Enroll America not cite specific dollar amounts at all when they talk to the uninsured about new coverage options. “Talking about ‘free or low cost’ plans may be more motivating,” the survey authors wrote in a report.
Another finding: respondents generally did not like hearing that the law would require most Americans to buy health insurance or pay a fine starting in 2014. “The data show warning signs for messaging around the mandate,” the survey authors wrote.
One of the many problems with this messaging is its inaccuracy. As a major Bloomberg article noted last month, most Americans will be required to pay thousands of dollars per year for health insurance under Obamacare – at least in part because the law’s mandated benefits will raise individual health insurance premiums by $2,100 per family. And those who can’t afford insurance will pay a tax, not a fine, the President’s claims notwithstanding.
Just as important, the fact that liberal supporters of the law are trying to hype its “free” benefits tells you everything about Obamacare you need to know.