A recent meeting with reform advocates and Democrats highlights the fact that health care reform is not gaining popularity. Before the legislation passed, many believed — including President Barack Obama — reform would become more popular after its passage. Now, the belief is showing to be completely unwarranted and Democrats are changing their rhetoric and game plan.
Recently Politico reported that FamilesUSA led a conference call and presentation which focused on defending reform and winning over skeptics of reform. People under 40, Latinos and women who did not go to college are the three main groups that will be targeted with the new campaign because of their traditional support for Democrats.
The presentation concluded that people are unaware that reform passed and that the supporters should focus on favorable changes to health insurance policies.
The presentation highlighted these strategies to garner support:
- Avoid claims the new law will reduce health insurance costs or decrease the deficit
- Tell people that health care reform passed
- Avoid citing long list of benefits to voters
- Use personal stories to show benefits of reform and make them relatable to the audience
- Don"t overpromise what the law delivers by keeping claims small and credible.
The presentation even suggests what supporters should say, “The law is not perfect, but it does good things and helps many people. Now we"ll work to improve it.”
Maybe these new tactics will change how people believe in reform and continue to enrage people opposed to it.