Generation Opportunity, a conservative organization that’s funded by billionaire extremists David and Charles Koch, has launched a series of advertisements to convince young people to “opt out” of Affordable Care Act enrollment.
The first two online ads were published yesterday. One features a young woman going in for a gynecologist appointment. As she settles into the stirrups, ominous music plays and a cartoonish-looking Uncle Sam appears, holding a metal spectrum. The ad reads: “Don’t let the government play doctor.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=R7cRsfW0Jv8&list=PLs2QceHTXzgzzxtFeycNmTbPYWSzOnStV
Backlash for the ads was swift yesterday, with several progressive and pro-choice organizations calling them hypocritical. “This ad is brought to you by the same people who force the government between our legs when it comes to abortion access, forced ultra-sounds and birth control,” NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue said.
If Americans do not enroll in the healthcare program, they will have to pay a penalty. Generation Opportunity is trying to persuade young people that it’s cheaper to pay the fine than to enroll. However, new federal subsidieswill drastically cut the cost of coverage for Americans earning less than $44,000 per year. Low cost, high-deductible plans will also be available to those under thirty.
Recent data shows that over 6.4 million Americans can receive healthcare coverage under the ACA for $100 or less per month.
Media Resources: NPR, 9/19/2013; Time, 9/19/2013; Wall Street Journal, 9/19/2013
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