Sebelius on ObamaCare Customer Assistance: We Have Translators in Up To 150 Languages

Sebelius On Obamacare: We Have Translators In Up To 150 Languages (RealClearPolitics)

ANDREA MITCHELL: How many more people, how many millions of people do you expect will be enrolled in health insurance? What would you consider a successful marker?

KATHLEEN SEBELIUS: The congressional budget office, Andrea, projected 7 million newly insured by the end of the first open enrollment period. We’re kind of shooting for that target. That includes not only the federal marketplace with the plans that are offered, but also various state marketplaces. I think the notion that we had just on the federal marketplace, over a million people before 7:00 a.m. this morning, It's an indication of how eager people are for real information, to get the facts, to do some shopping themselves. So healthcare.gov is the website. There’s also a call center. 1-800-318-2596. 1-800-318-2596. People can call on the phone. And we have translators available in up to 150 languages to answer questions, help people understand some of the terminology.

This is a brand-new day for millions of Americans, some of whom were in the rose garden with the president just a few minutes ago. People who have preexisting health conditions or lost their insurance when they lost their job or have had a difficult time just paying for coverage because they don't have employer-based coverage. They talked in a very human and compelling way to the president about what a change this will make in their lives, how much security they will have, how they won't have to worry again about literally declaring bankruptcy or losing a house because they get sick. That’s what this bill is all about.