We here at the District’s Dime have noted how important DC United is to the Washington region. And the team took yet another step this week to show how it adds to the quality of life here. United announced that it will partner with the District to advertise the new affordable health insurance options available as a result of Obamacare.
We applaud this action — especially since most professional sports leagues and teams have not chosen to support outreach on health reform. And as the District continues to work with DC United on plans for a new soccer stadium, we hope the team will offer more community benefits.
DC Health Link — formerly the DC Health Benefit Exchange — faces the daunting task of educating uninsured and underinsured District residents about the high-quality and affordable health insurance options available on Health Link’s online marketplace. Starting in October, Health Link will be available to all individuals and small businesses wishing to purchase health plans and apply for federal subsidies that make those plans more affordable.
Unfortunately, many residents are confused about the new online shopping portal and do not know they are eligible for subsidies to get private health insurance. That’s why Health Link has partnered with DC United and other private groups to get the message to hard-to-reach populations. DC United is a particularly beneficial partner because its fan base is predominantly younger, African-American and Hispanic — populations with a higher likelihood of being uninsured.
As part of the partnership, DC Health Link will have on-the-field messaging at a DC United home game, outreach efforts before games, and co-branded advertisements with players.
DC United should be applauded for their efforts to help District residents get insured, and their partnership with community organizations should be considered as the council deliberates on a deal to help pay for the team’s new stadium.
We hope that DC United and District lawmakers continue to consider the needs of residents in the community in any deal that would provide public support for a new stadium. For example, DC United and the council could make a commitment to preserve and support the affordable housing that is near the stadium. As this week’s actions show, community benefits matter.
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