The administration has trotted out Andy Griffith, who starred in classic TV shows "Matlock" and "The Andy Griffith Show," to sell senior citizens on President Obama's new healthcare law in a new TV commercial, according to the Christian Science Monitor.
In the 30-second spot, Griffith, 84, tries to reassure viewers that the new law will not alter their current benefits.
"This year, like always, we'll have our guaranteed benefits," he says. And with the new healthcare law, he promises that "more good things are coming," including free check-ups and lower prescription costs.
The new ad comes in the wake of a recent poll that suggests senior citizens think less of the healthcare law than younger adults. While 50 percent of the public holds a favorable view of the new law, 46 percent of seniors say they do not, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation poll.
Another 50 percent believe the law will translate into fewer benefits than before.
Medicare told Associated Press that the ad campaign is not political, but designed to inform senior citizens about the law's new benefits. The ad will run on CNN, the Weather Channel, Hallmark and Lifetime--all channels popular among seniors, according to CBS News.
To learn more:
- read the Christian Science Monitor story
- here's the CBS News story
-here's the Associated Press story