White House: We're fine with term 'Obamacare'

David Jackson | USA TODAY

The White House says there is no ban on the term "Obamacare."

Republicans and other critics note that President Obama and aides have tended recently to use the new law's formal name -- the Affordable Care Act -- amid criticism of the website and other aspects of the new health care law

But the shorthand term, "Obamacare," can still be heard at the White House, aides said.

"I know I'm fine with calling it 'Obamacare.'" said press secretary Jay Carney. "The president's fine with it."

Carney added: "We're focused on making sure that the 'care' part is delivered to the Americans who want it. And whether it's the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare or anything else, what matters to the president is that the benefits available to every American who gets covered, either through the exchanges or has coverage already, are delivered."