Congress is set to consider this week, H.R. 987, MORE Health Education Act, a bill that would restore funding to the education and marketing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Sponsored by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D, DE) and three other House members, including Lucy McBath (D, Ga.), the goal is to pass this bill to get the message about open enrollment, restrictions and changes to ACA or Obamacare to the general public.
Overview:
To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide for federal exchange outreach and educational activities. The bill is on the House and Senate calendars for May 13.
Details:
The MORE Health Education Act (H.R. 987) will require the federal health insurance marketplace to adequately fund outreach and marketing for Obamacare. House Energy and Commerce Committee chairs determine whether a bill will move past the committee stage. Sponsored by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Rep. Kathy Castor (FL), Rep. Dan Kildee (MI) and Rep. Lucy McBath (GA). The bill would reverse harmful funding cuts to ACA outreach, education and marketing by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and require adequate funding to support future efforts to enroll people in ACA coverage.
Problem/Relevance:
Under The Trump Administration, marketing for the ACA has been cut by 90 percent, leaving many unaware of open enrollment timelines and opportunities to receive financial help with health insurance. It is especially important for hard-to-reach populations who have high uninsured rates and whom require targeted outreach.
