The government has come up with a new way to market Obamacare to the general public: 7-Eleven receipts.
Customers who pay for purchases through mobile payment company PayNearMe at 7-Eleven stores between now and the end of open enrollment (Feb. 15) will have an Obamacare ad printed on the receipt,
according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
7-Eleven operates more than 7,700 stores in the United States. PayNearMe is also available for use at Family Dollar and ACE Cash Express stores, but receipts from those stores will not have the Obamacare messaging.
PayNearMe is a payment application that allows people without a bank to make cash payments for things like rent, utility bills, and online purchases. 7-Eleven is also part of the company's network, so customers can use PayNearMe in its stores.
"Leveraging developments from technology companies like PayNearMe helps us to reach our consumers where they are, with the information they need to sign up and re-enroll in quality, affordable care through the Health Insurance Marketplace," HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said. "With this partnership, we are using digital platforms to place Open Enrollment information in the hands of consumers who need it."
The HHS report added that since customers using PayNearMe are more likely to save their receipts because they serve as proof of payment for things like rent and utility bills, they are more likely to see the Obamacare messaging.
"Banked or unbanked, cash or plastic — no matter what your preference, everyone can benefit from affordable health care," PayNearMe founder and CEO Danny Shader said. "By partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services, we can help generate awareness of this open enrollment process among consumers."
Open enrollment for 2015 health plans is open at healthcare.gov. Americans who want new coverage by Jan. 1 must sign up by Dec. 15.
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