As Healthcare Enrollment Deadline Looms, West Texans Debate Obamacare

Originally Aired March 31, 2014.

Today, Monday March 31st, is the deadline for open enrollment for coverage this year under the Affordable Care Act. Some have said that Texas has been slow to make the transition.

Open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act, the ACA, ends at midnight tonight. While more than 6 million Americans have enrolled in health insurance nationwide, it’s been said that Texas has been more resistant than other states to embrace the new healthcare system.

For KXWT News, Lana Straub spoke with Stacey Pogue, Senior Policy Analyst for the economic research and advocacy group, Center for Public Policy Priorities; Mike Avery, a certified insurance agent in Odessa and a Board Member of the State Association of Health Underwriters; Danny Koch, President of the West Texas Association of Health Underwriters and a wholesaler of health insurance at Caprock Health Plans; and Esteban Lopez, President of the Southwest region of Blue Cross Blue Shield.