Planned Parenthood is diving into a new area of education, not without its own controversy: Obamacare.
The group’s more than 750 health centers across the country will be promoting the health law and helping women find out about new coverage options for themselves and their families before — and after — enrollment begins Oct. 1. They’re creating everything from refrigerator magnets to online apps that help people enroll in a health plan. Some affiliates will be applying to become official government-funded “navigators” to give people more hands-on help through the signup process.
Planned Parenthood says its health centers see nearly 3 million patients a year, many of them using the clinics as their primary point of care. More than nine out 10 are under age 40. About half are uninsured.
So the group sees itself as uniquely placed to reach those women, helping them get covered and serving as messengers to their families and communities. To that end, it’s training clinic staff, printing posters and pamphlets and incorporating information about the law into its educational programs.
It makes sense, but giving Planned Parenthood such a major role in promoting Obamacare brings great risks as well. Republicans in Washington and across the country have long wanted to defund Planned Parenthood and making it a major part of the public relations rollout is already inviting criticism from opponents.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
