On a recent visit to California, President Obama urged young people and Latinos to enroll in the forthcoming health care exchange program. Starting in October, this new insurance marketplace will be open for enrollment. The federal government is taking steps to help educate the public about the program, and California is a key staging ground for their efforts.
Obama discussed the exchange program on a stop in San Jose on June 7. The President highlighted the many ways the Affordable Care Act is changing the health care industry. Increased competition has led to an increase in consumer choices in the Golden State. Rebates to small businesses and consumers in California have reached $45 million in 2013 and the 13 companies that were chosen to participate in the new healthcare exchange have offered premiums that are lower than expected.
What Is the Health Care Exchange?
The healthcare marketplace that the Affordable Care Act has created is a new approach to shopping for health insurance. Instead of having only a few providers to choose from, consumers will be able to compare plans between private companies. Because the healthcare exchange creates competition and increases options, premiums are expected to be more affordable. Many people will also qualify for tax cuts that will help offset the cost of coverage.
Latinos and Young People Urged to Enroll
“In the greatest country on Earth, we’ve got to make sure that every single person that needs health care can get it,” says Obama in the statement. Education is key in meeting that goal. The National Latino Health Care Survey by Latino Decisions asked the Latino community two basic questions about the Affordable Care Act. Results show that nationwide, most Latinos thought they were either “somewhat informed” or “not that informed,” with over 20% saying that they were “not at all informed.”
Young people are also an important part of this new approach to health insurance. As reported on Healthwatch, it’s important to enroll healthy customers to keep costs under control. Many of these are young people in California, Texas and Florida. As of October, they and millions of other Americans can begin to enroll in the health care exchange. Enrollment can be done online at HealthCare.gov or at CoveredCA.com for California residents.
Currently there are 6 million uninsured people in California, according to President Obama.
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