As the Feb. 15 deadline for enrolling in Obamacare through the NY State of Health approaches, the state said Wednesday that there has been a steady growth in enrollment. However, updated figures will not be available until around Feb. 1.

In a teleconference with reporters organized by Families USA, Donna Frescatore, executive director of NY State of Health, said the most recent tally, as of Dec. 22, showed that 225,000 New Yorkers had bought health insurance for the first time through the site.

New Yorkers must sign up by Jan. 15 if they want to have health coverage as of Feb. 1.
The NY State of Health has held about 600 recent enrollment events, said Ms. Frescatore, in “places where people go or work,” such as shopping malls, libraries, grocery stores and salons. In a deal with Marvel, the state enlisted the aid of superheroes Captain America, Ironman and Thor to encourage families to sign up for insurance “in a friendly place where families go,” she said.

In the final weeks before all enrollment closes Feb. 15, the state is increasing its advertising presence on radio and television. It also has created videos conveying key messages, including the importance of health coverage. One video makes the point that buying health insurance is as easy as buying a car or home coverage, said Ms. Frescatore.

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Jeffrey R. Ungvary President