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'Full-court press' begins to get young people to join Obamacare

Carol Metcalf is greeted by President Barack Obama as he discusses how his signature healthcare program is already benefiting millions of Americans during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on May 10, 2013. Carol Metcalf noted how the new law allowed her son Justin (R) to stay on her insurance as he recovers from a brain injury. UPI/Pat Benic
Carol Metcalf is greeted by President Barack Obama as he discusses how his signature healthcare program is already benefiting millions of Americans during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on May 10, 2013. Carol Metcalf noted how the new law allowed her son Justin (R) to stay on her insurance as he recovers from a brain injury. UPI/Pat Benic | License Photo

WASHINGTON, March 17 (UPI) -- The Obama administration will try a "full-court press" ahead of the NCAA men's and women's basketball tourneys to get young people to sign up for healthcare.

President Obama, along with members of his staff and celebrity athletes, will conduct interviews, appear in advertisements and jump on social media to encourage young people to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act before the March 31 deadline, USA Today reported Monday.

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"We're putting on a full-court press to remind our fellow fans that there are two weeks left to sign up for quality, affordable health insurance," White House senior communications adviser Tara McGuinness said.

Obama was to be interviewed by the Univision Radio program Locura Deportiva ("Sports Madness"), while ESPN Deportes was to interview White House chief of staff Denis McDonough and launch public service announcements by Labor Secretary Tom Perez.

The administration's efforts also will include the release of the "16 Sweetest Reasons to Get Covered" bracket including in a video featuring college basketball coaches.

The marketing blitz also will feature current and former NBA greats LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, as well as football player Victor Cruz, USA Today said.

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McGuinness said athletes and coaches can be effective representatives for the issue because they "know better than anyone that none of us are invincible -- you never know when you might need to have health insurance if you get hurt unexpectedly, whether on or off the court."

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