REUTERS D.C. United to push Obamacare

Obamacare is about to get a big assist from D.C.’s professional soccer team.

The District’s health exchange is teaming up with D.C. United to spread the word about coverage options in the new insurance marketplace set to open in just three weeks. The District’s exchange, known as DC Health Link, disclosed the plans in a Wednesday night board meeting. A more formal announcement is still to come.


That makes United the second professional sports franchise to join the Obamacare team, a week after Maryland’s health exchange announced plans to partner with the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.

But unlike the Ravens, who stressed their partnership with Maryland’s exchange was basically a business arrangement, the District’s exchange will have a visible association with United.

DC Health Link plans to kick off the United partnership at an Oct. 4 home game – coincidentally, against President Barack Obama’s hometown team, the Chicago Fire. Partnership plans include an on-field presence, a public address announcement and – naturally – some tailgating at RFK Stadium.

A spokesman for the soccer team didn’t immediately return a request for comment Wednesday night.

States running their own Obamacare exchanges have looked to partner with professional sports teams as a way to reach younger fans and help shed the politics surrounding the divisive health care law. However, they’ve been largely unsuccessful so far.

Earlier in the summer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and No. 2 Senate Republican John Cornyn sent letters to six professional sports leagues, warning them to avoid any association with Obamacare.

Not included on the senators’ letter: Major League Soccer.

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