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Young Invincibles Announces Video Contest to Educate Young People About New Affordable Insurance Options

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 19, 2013

Contact: Colin Seeberger, colin.seeberger@younginvincibles.org, 214-223-2913

HHS Launches Partnership and Video Contest with Young Invincibles

Houston, TX – 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. The public can submit entries and vote for their favorite videos atwww.healthyyoungamerica.org.

“For millions of young people, health insurance hasn’t been an option because it’s always been out of reach—because it costs too much, or isn’t offered through a job,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “The Health Insurance Marketplace gives uninsured young people the opportunity to enroll in affordable health insurance, and the Healthy Young America video contest is meant to tell their stories to other young people and help them find the security of health insurance they deserve.”

Over 19 million young adults across the country lack basic health insurance coverage. The Affordable Care Act promises to make health care more affordable and accessible for millions of young adults across the country. Already, about 3 million previously uninsured young adults have joined their parents’ health insurance plan. Over the coming years, as many as 17 million more could be eligible for free or reduced-cost coverage as states expand their Medicaid programs and young adults access new tax credits through online exchanges.

“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 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 this generation about coming changes and new options. The campaign includes health care “train the trainers” to ensure that community leaders are informed about new changes; a website with FAQs to educate consumers and advocates; outreach and enrollment events this fall: and a mobile app that help consumers learn about their options and find local health care services.

Young people can access a variety of online and in-person tools to get answers to their questions and on October 1st, enroll in health insurance. Consumers can learn about and enroll in coverage later this fall through HealthCare.gov. Last week, HHS announced $67 million in grant awards to 105 Navigator grant applicants and more than 100 national organizations and businesses who have volunteered to help Americans learn about the health care coverage available in the Marketplace.

Additionally, people can call the 24-hours-a-day consumer call center and get answers to their questions in 150 languages. 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. In addition, HHS has begun training other individuals who will be providing in-person assistance, such as agents and brokers and certified application counselors.

For contest rules, to submit a video or vote for your favorite video, go to healthyyoungamerica.org.

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Young Invincibles is a national organization committed to amplifying the voices of young adults, ages 18 to 34, and expanding economic opportunity for our generation. Young Invincibles ensures that young adults are represented in today’s most pressing societal debates through cutting-edge policy research and analysis, and innovative campaigns designed to educate, inform and mobilize our generation to change the status quo.