HHS launches partnership and video contest with Young Invincibles

Contact: HHS Press Office, (202) 690-6343

HHS launches partnership and video contest with Young Invincibles

HOUSTON, Texas - Today, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Young Invincibles announced the Healthy Young America video contest in an effort to inform young people about health insurance coverage and new options under the Affordable Care Act. People can submit entries and vote for their favorite videos at http://www.healthyyoungamerica.org.

"Health insurance is out of reach for millions of young people today-because it costs too much, or isn't offered through a job," Secretary Sebelius said. "Soon the Health Insurance Marketplace will give uninsured young people the opportunity to enroll in affordable health insurance, and the Healthy Young America video contest will help them tell their stories to other young people."

The Affordable Care Act is making health care more affordable and accessible for 19 million uninsured young adults across the country. Three million previously uninsured young adults have joined their parents' health insurance plan because of the health care law.

"The Millennial generation has always been a creative generation, which is why we are so pleased to partner with HHS in launching the Healthy Young America video contest. "Educating millions of young people about the changes coming this year is vital to helping them achieve economic security," Aaron Smith, co-founder and executive director of Young Invincibles. "This competition will engage young people by reaching them through a medium that they prefer to use when sharing and receiving content."

Young Invincibles is in the midst of a nationwide campaign designed to inform young adults about coming changes and new options. "The campaign includes health care "train the trainers" to help community leaders be informed about new changes. A website with frequently-asked questions and a mobile app to help consumers learn about their options, find local health care services, and get information on enrollment events this fall are also included in the campaign.

Young people can access a variety of online tools now, through HealthCare.gov (http://www.healthcare.gov/), and count on in-person help to get answers to their questions to help them enroll October 1. Young people can use HealthCare.gov (http://www.healthcare.gov/) to join web chats or call toll free 1-800-318-2596, to get help from a trained customer service representative.

There will also be people in local communities who can provide direct help with their coverage choices. Last week, HHS awarded $67 million to 105 Navigator grant applicants and recognized more than 100 national organizations and businesses who have volunteered to help Americans learn about the Marketplace. More than 1,200 community health centers across the country are preparing to help enroll uninsured Americans in coverage, and a partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services will help trusted local libraries be a resource for consumers who want information on their options.

For contest rules, to submit a video or vote for your favorite video, visit healthyyoungamerica.org (http://www.healthyyoungamerica.org).