Posts

B²: Repeal + Replace

/2,556 Comments/in , , /by

In a few short days, GOP lawmakers have to turn in their repeal legislation for Obamacare – dun dun duuunnnnn.

But that’s probably old news as the mainstream media can’t stop talking about it in ALL CAPS:

“REPEAL WILL LEAVE 20 MILLION PEOPLE UNINSURED!”

…or…

“WITH NO REPLACEMENT PLAN READY TO GO, THOSE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN OBAMACARE COULD EXPERIENCE A LAPSE IN COVERAGE!”

Needless to say, people are afraid. The threat of losing health insurance is scary. But like most issues, there is more to the story than these headlines suggest.

So, how can you be the voice of reason and talk about a sensitive issue like Repeal and Replace in a news cycle that expects the worst? With emotion and numbers, of course!

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day!

Here’s this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “If Obamacare is repealed, won’t millions be left without insurance?”

B²: “Not at all. Obamacare will be phased out, so the coverage people currently receive will continue until a new patient-centered healthcare system is established. <Insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, spin the narrative to highlight those at greater risk of losing coverage – the 25 million who currently pay out of pocket and receive no subsidies. Adding a data point about premium spikes in your state will help prove the point. We all know someone (maybe it’s you!) who has experienced rate increases and/or loss of access to their doctor. Tell these stories first and then insert a stat or two as evidence.

B²: The Public Option

/183 Comments/in , , /by

In what seems to be a surprise to no one – including Dems – ObamaCare is struggling.

In an effort to explain away its issues, the president has diagnosed his signature legislation with growing pains and likened it to a starter home and the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (that can’t stop, won’t stop blowing up). “Interesting” comparisons that offer little relief to those affected by ObamaCare’s failure.

Please try again.

But here we are. Today marks the first day of open enrollment for healthcare coverage in 2017, premiums are rumored to increase by 25%, and the only solution offered up by those who voted for ACA is the public option. In other words, let’s rely more heavily on government to fix a government problem.

No thanks.

While questions about ObamaCare are ripe for the picking this week, it’s good to have a strategy to articulate how devastating ObamaCare has been. But how do you develop a good response to pro-ObamaCare questions instead of just simply saying, “I told you so?” 

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “With frustration nation-wide about ObamaCare’s rising premium costs, shouldn’t we consider pursuing a public option?”

B²: “Absolutely not. The public option actually doubles down on the failures of ObamaCare. And here’s what we know doesn’t work…<insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, talk about ObamaCare’s failure as reason numero uno to back away from a public option. Because Dems agree that ObamaCare isn’t working as it should, use that point of agreement to establish common ground. Then, pivot to a better solution that doesn’t include government interference.

If all else fails? Just call it the “craziest thing in the world.” Worked for Bill Clinton, right?