In an Exclusive Interview, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, strongly encouraged young adults in Indianapolis and Indiana to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. The Secretary also strongly encouraged Indianapolis’ African-American community to get signed up. Secretary Sebelius told Amos that the monthly cost of insurance under the ACA costs less than a monthly cell phone bill. Secretary Sebelius acknowledged that young adults might feel invincible, but just as “people have auto insurance” to protect them in case of an accident or injury during an accident, having health insurance protects someone in case of a serious illness or catastrophic injury that could put them and their families at financial risk. In the interview Sebelius, the former Governor of Kansas, talked about the fact that Indiana wasn’t providing an expansion of Medicaid coverage of qualified Indiana residents. Several hundred thousand are missing out on coverage, Sebelius told Amos. But the Secretary confirmed that she’ll be meeting with Indiana Governor Mike Pence later this month (February) to try and reach a compromise in Medicaid expansion and the Healthy Indiana Plan. Sebelius said other Republican governors are moving towards acceptance of Medicaid expansion. In the interview Sebelius assured Amos and listeners that the once troubled health care website is now up and running smoothly. (Click the Link Here: Healthcare.Gov Website ). Secretary Sebelius also said that people can call 1-800-318-2596 some 24 hours a day and get covered by talking with one of the representatives. The website and phone number can also give you information about local organizations and representatives that can enroll you in a health insurance plan, said Secretary Sebelius. Click the Arrow to hear Amos’ Full Interview with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Runs 7 Minutes ©2014 WTLC/Radio One.
