NEW ORLEANS — Michelle Obama urged Latino activists on Tuesday to help sign people up for her husband's health care overhaul,especially the millions of younger,healthier people the system will need to offset the cost of caring for older, sicker consumers.
The first lady said that, beginning July 31, consumers can create an account at www.healthcare.gov , or www.cuidadodesalud.gov , its Spanish-language equivalent, so they can get ready to sign up for health insurance in the fall, starting on Oct. 1.
"Simply passing the Affordable Care Act was not the goal," Mrs. Obama said at the annual conference of the National Council of La Raza, a Latino advocacy group.
The Obama administration is looking for about 7 million people to sign up for health insurance through marketplaces that are supposed to become available online starting Oct. 1.
Nearly one-third of these young people live in California, Texas and Florida.
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| First lady Michelle Obama hugs Naomi Bouie, 5, during her visit to Sterling Farms Grocery Store in Marrero, La., Tuesday, July 23, 2013. The store was opened last year by actor Wendell Pierce as part of the "Alliance For A Healthier Generation," Earlier she spoke about childhood obesity at the annual meeting of the National Council of La Raza. |
"Simply passing the Affordable Care Act was not the goal," Mrs. Obama said at the annual conference of the National Council of La Raza, a Latino advocacy group.
"The goal is to get folks to sign up for the insurance so they have the care they need to stay healthy."
She emphasized "the need to reach out to our young people" since their participation is key to the law's success.
The Obama administration is looking for about 7 million people to sign up for health insurance through marketplaces that are supposed to become available online starting Oct. 1.
More than 2.6 million younger enrollees are needed to keep costs down for the overall pool, the White House has said.
Nearly one-third of these young people live in California, Texas and Florida.