Obama releases video urging people to sign up for ObamaCare

Former President Barack Obama released a video urging people to sign up for ObamaCare as a new enrollment period — the first under a new president — begins on Wednesday.

In the video, Obama said today is the first day to “get covered for 2018.”

“You can shop for a health insurance plan that’s right for you and your family,” Obama said. “It only takes a few minutes and the vast majority of people qualify for financial assistance.”

Starting today, you can sign up for 2018 health coverage. Head on over to https://t.co/ob1Ynoesod and find a plan that meets your needs. https://t.co/6vYt83w74T

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 1, 2017

Obama said 8 in 10 people this year can find plans for $75 a month or less.

“That’s cheaper than a lot of cellphone plans. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer charge you more just for being a woman or for having a pre-existing condition,” he said.

“That’s a good thing. It means they have to compete for your business.”

Obama called for people to spread the word that it’s time to sign up for health coverage.

“Because this country works best when we look out for one another,” he said.

Open enrollment for ObamaCare begins Wednesday. The enrollment period is only half as long as it was during the Obama administration, ending Dec. 15. This year, more counties will also only have one ObamaCare insurer offering plans.

President Trump has talked of letting ObamaCare “implode” since GOP efforts to repeal the law have failed in Congress. He has reduced budgets to advertise the enrollment period and ended payments to insurers intended to help subsidize costs for getting lower-income people on the exchanges.

Trump on Tuesday came out with a new ad hitting Democrats for “obstructing” efforts by the president and congressional Republicans to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

“President Trump will fix it,” the ad says. “He wants what’s best for the American people. Top quality health care you can afford. Tell Washington Democrats and the obstructionists: work with our president.”