When. Gov. Maura Healey came to Haverhill last month with her “Keep Your Coverage” campaign, officials said there would be a messaging campaign aimed at reaching MassHealth-eligible residents who risk losing health insurance.
As of now, though, residents in Haverhill, Methuen and Lawrence—three Gateway communities with vulnerable populations—won’t get the state’s paid messages about paperwork help and resources from any local news outlet. The nonprofit charged with carrying out the campaign told WHAV Wednesday, the money will instead go to the MBTA, which operates commuter rail locally.
“There are no radio advertising buys as part of this campaign. They’re doing some MBTA advertising, but nothing on broadcast at all,” said Health Care for All spokesman David Guarino in a voicemail.
WHAV appealed directly to Health Care For All Executive Director Jennifer Lemmerman at the Aug. 11 press conference for local messaging. WHAV explained that besides radio broadcasts, WHAV reaches thousands of residents, especially those physically unable to leave their homes, with a free news website and eNewspaper. WHAV followed up with the city’s entire legislative delegation Aug. 14 and some legislative aides at an unrelated event Aug. 20, asking for advocacy for the Merrimack Valley.
The only acknowledgement came from an aide to Sen. Barry R. Finegold who provided a telephone number and email for MassHealth. Health Care For All, however, told WHAV it received several calls on WHAV’s behalf.
“I know you’ve also been making some other calls up and down the government food chain,” Guarino said.
WHAV reached out again Wednesday night to Finegold, Sen. Pavel M. Payano and Reps. Andy X. Vargas and Ryan M. Hamilton, asking for their sides of the story. Vargas responded he spoke with Health care for All this week, but at first seemed unaware the decision had already been made to exclude local media in three Gateway cities.
“We don’t administer these funds. I’m happy to make another phone call tomorrow to the head of HFA,” Vargas told WHAV.
Hamilton expressed the most regret.
“I understand your frustration, but I don’t believe it is fair to say that the delegation failed the Merrimack Valley. We supported WHAV’s request and advocated for local media to receive a fair share of these outreach funds. Unfortunately, the final funding decision was not made by the legislature or the delegation. I share your disappointment with the outcome as WHAV plays a critical role in keeping the entire Merrimack Valley informed.”
Finegold and Payano did not respond by the time this story was prepared.
Under federal rules, paid messages from nonprofits and government agencies are allowed on public radio.