The GAO said that last year, HHS cut funding for counseling programs to help people enroll by 40 percent. It cut funding another 70 percent this year. HHS said it is changing how it evaluates those counseling programs.
Further, HHS ran no television ads for open enrollment last year, saying it was wasteful spending. An HHS study, however, found that television ads were one of the most effective methods of directing people to enroll.
Democrats’ Response
Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey (D) wrote, “This independent and nonpartisan GAO report confirms that the Trump administration’s sabotage of our health care system is driving up costs for consumers and leaving more Americans without health insurance.”
HHS and Republican Response
HHS, however, said that the enrollment period for 2018 was the “most cost-effective and successful experience” for people enrolling. They said that callers to the HealthCare.gov help line gave them a 90 percent customer satisfaction rating.
Republicans argue that their efforts did not discourage people from signing up. They say that instead, it is high premiums that deter people. Under the current law, low-income persons receive subsidies to help with their premiums and co-pays. Middle-class Americans don’t qualify for the subsidies. They, therefore, have to pay the full premiums and co-pay costs. The high costs of full premiums keep middle-class workers from signing up.
