This Is Your Opportunity to Shine!': Government Encourages Americans to Make Promo Videos About Obamacare for 'Cash Prizes

The U.S. government is encouraging young Americans to enroll in a video contest promoting the Affordable Care Act, better known to some as "Obamacare."

The Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that it is partnering with a non-profit organization called Young Invincibles for the competition, which designed to encourage young people to enroll in the new health insurance exchanges.

“Health insurance is out of reach for millions of young people today—because it costs too much, or isn’t offered through a job,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius commented.  “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.”

(Photo: YouTube/USGOVHHS)

More on the contest from the Young Invincibles website:

Young Invincibles and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services have created a competition that will tap into the creativity and energy of young Americans while raising awareness about the new law and encouraging young people to take advantage of the benefits of health insurance.

With a prize pool worth up to $30,000, and over 100 prizes to be won, this is your opportunity to shine! Cash prizes will be awarded to the creators of the best videos in three distinct categories; so whether you’ve got a talent for short films, writing a great song, or designing an entertaining video infographic, you can be a winner!...

Videos can be submitted during the five-week period starting on Monday, August 19th. A public voting period will follow to help determine the Finalists in each category, and a final round of voting and judging will determine who takes home the Grand Prize.

Here's a video promoting the competition:

Many have reported on the importance of enrolling people into the exchanges, since their payments and relative health offsets the cost of caring for older generations.

According to a PBS report, the Obama administration hopes to have 7 million enrolled by the end of March.

"Young adults make up almost a third of all uninsured Americans, but come January, everyone will be required to purchase health insurance coverage or face a fee from the federal government," PBS adds.  "That's a $95 opt-out fee or 1 percent of your respective income, whichever is greater. In 2015, the penalty goes up to $325 per adult, or 2 percent of family income. And in 2016, the penalty will be $695 per adult, or 2.5 percent of family income."

(H/T: WeaselZippers)

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