Dem leader urges media to challenge health law 'myths'

The chairman of the House Democratic Caucus called on members of the press Thursday to "communicate the truth" about President Obama's healthcare law, which is still widely misunderstood by the public.

Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) praised the Affordable Care Act on its third anniversary for "surviving the deception of claims of death panels, of a government takeover of our healthcare."

He challenged reporters on a conference call to expose common "myths" and "mistruths" about the law, calling them "deceptions used to poison the water on a historic change." 

"Your help is essential," Becerra said. "We need the help of the media and the press to communicate the truths."

A tracking poll released Wednesday revealed that critics of the law have handily won the fight over defining healthcare reform.

The Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 88 percent support tax credits to support small-business healthcare coverage, but only 52 percent know the policy is part of the Obama law.

A majority believes that the law includes a public option, which it does not, and four in 10 say a new government panel will choose patients' end-of-life care. Another 44 percent believe the law cuts Medicare benefits.

Becerra said these rumors will exist as long as the "press and the media aren't communicating the truth."

He praised the law's provision of free preventive services, its forthcoming insurance exchanges, and its extension of coverage to young adults through their parents' plans.

"This best way for people to find out about [the law] is over the period of time when the benefits kick in," said Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.), who was also on the call. "When you can feel it in the pocket — that is the best way to get the information out." 

Critics predict the law will increase healthcare costs, cause rationing in programs like Medicare and ultimately become less popular over time.

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