Churches help spread word on health care law

Nationwide initiative called "Health Care from the Pulpit"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a national day of action, the group Enroll America held "Health Care from the Pulpit."

Community organizers went to churches across the country, talking to members about the new health care law, with help from pastors.

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Pastor John Newman introduced two community organizers from Enroll America who talked about the act, everything from coverage, cost, to how to enroll.

They also asked church members to fill out help cards with basic information for themselves or someone they knew. That's exactly what Michelle Fletcher did. 

"I have a cousin that recently lost her job and she doesn't have employment insurance so thought of her writing her down," Fletcher said.

Fletcher said diabetes and breast cancer run in their family, so she was surprised and happy to get the info she needed at church. 

"Our pastor, he keeps us real informed and grounded in what's going on in the community, and he's always bringing stuff to help us, so I love him for that," Fletcher said.

That bond between a pastor and church members is what Enroll America is counting on as a part of their nationwide initiative called "Health Care from the Pulpit."

Organizers are going into churches all across Florida and the country asking pastors to talk about the Affordable Health Care Act.

"Pastors are trusted messengers," said Enroll America community organizer Anthony Penna. "They'll be able to get the story across, they'll be able to relate to that story and they'll be able to ask people to enroll in health insurance."