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President Obama Explains Benefits of New Health Insurance Web Site
In keeping with the administration’s use of the Internet and social media to communicate with the American public, the White House released an online video of President Obama speaking about the new government health care web site, healthcare.gov.
“Healthcare.gov comes from the president’s track record of using online programs to put information and power in people’s hands,” says Macon Phillips, the White House director of new media.
Launched on July 1, the web site offers consumers information about the health reform law, as well as insurance plans available to them based on their location and personal situation.
In the video, Obama walks viewers through the steps of using the health coverage finder on the site’s home page and also features some real-life examples of people who have been helped by the new law, which was passed in March.
“In policy and political terms they are wise to focus people’s attention on the parts that have changed,” says Donald H. Taylor, Jr. associate professor of public policy at Duke University.
The video aims to achieve two basic goals, says Phillips. “One is to show people how easy it is to use. It’s also to show that healthcare.gov is a place where people can learn about all of the benefits and aspects of the new health reform law.”
The public remains divided on the sweeping new law.
Many are confused by its provisions, which will take until 2014 to fully take effect. The new law is also facing 15 legal challenges, including a lawsuit from the state of Virginia and another from 20 states.
By Lisa Zamosky
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