Supporters of the health law see back-to-school season as a natural time for Obamacare outreach, a chance to find young families who could benefit from new health coverage options. But weeks before the school bells start ringing in parts of the country, there’s no concerted effort to reach parents at the schoolhouse door. It’s yet another sign of how the undying controversy could overshadow attempts to get people enrolled.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan told POLITICO this summer that his department has no plans to actively advocate for the health law, only providing help when asked. “No one has asked us,” he added.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan told POLITICO this summer that his department has no plans to actively advocate for the health law, only providing help when asked. “No one has asked us,” he added.
More recently a Department of Education spokesman said federal officials are sending out brochures from the Department of Health and Human Services. They are also working with “state and local partners” on written and online materials, and one aspect they want to stress is that Obamacare’s preventive health benefits would be particularly important to children and families.
But schools at this point aren’t a nationwide focal point of outreach and enrollment.