Quick Fact(s): 1. Just When You Thought Republicans Couldn't Play Any Dirtier, and 2. Humor as ACA Honey

ACA News --  the Discourage vs. Encourage Strategies

1.  The news from California regarding the Affordable Care Act and their state run insurance exchange has been nothing but good.  Rates are reported to be even lower than original estimates, people are signing up at a rate that puts the state well on its way to its goals and those who have signed up are giving the whole experience positive reviews.

Well, Republicans couldn't have that.  Under the guise of creating an additional "resource" for those Californians seeking information on the health care law, the state Assembly's GOP caucus created a website.  Mailers were sent out to voters highlighting the site as a location to access information regarding "Obamacare". Using a web address very similar to the official state marketplace website, a choice made in an obvious attempt to confuse people and to keep them from accessing the official site, the GOP's site includes these tidbits of Republican propaganda and lies:

• The Affordable Care Act increases the federal budget deficit. (Independent economists have roundly invalidated this claim and further proven that it actually helps to lower the deficit.)
• The IRS will be able to use the law to target conservatives. (It's not clear to what purpose this targeting will be used; but still it's a great scare tactic.)
• The law will discourage private-sector hiring. (Same old argument that small businesses that have to provide health care for their employees will refuse to hire anyone.  This is an argument with multiple sides; but seems obvious that you can't run a business without employees, and, if you're the owner, you'd want to attract and keep the best.  And the best are going to choose to work for a business that provides health care over one that does not, so those who refuse would be seen at a disadvantage.  If all businesses provide equal access to health care, the playing field is leveled for everyone.)
• The "Young Adult" section states that those in their 20s and 30s will pay higher premiums under Obamacare than they would in a free marketplace. (The higher rates than in a free marketplace claim has no basis in fact; but the truth is far less inflammatory: that the premiums paid by young adults who use their insurance less often than older adults will help balance the cost of health insurance for everyone.) 
• The site voices veiled warnings of health care "rationing" for the elderly. (Beware those death-panels!)

All these "facts" are presented as objective and non-partisan--the Republican caucus was very careful to leave no hint that they are the site's creators.    Originally, there was no mention of, nor links to, the real Covered California site.  However, after a recent media tongue-lashing, (how can you call this an information "resource" while withholding the address of the official site?), a link to the official Covered California site has been added.  

Propaganda and lies presented to the uninsured as helpful facts.  How low can they go?

2.  On another note, the White House has released new ads designed to encourage young adults to sign up for health insurance. Presented as a series of e-cards, my favorite is fashioned to look like it came from Mom:  "As a reward for signing up, I will de-friend you on FB".

 What a nice change of pace from the Sturm und Drang being tossed around by the Republican Party.  When you're telling the truth, you can smile about it.