Alonzo Mourning and Magic Johnson teamed up with the Obama administration to pitch for Health.gov to encourage younger people to sign up for Obamacare.

Each wrote a blog, made a video and will appear in 30-second commercials on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBAtv during NBA games.

They’re appealing to people who think that health insurance isn’t necessary because they are still young and healthy.

Both superstar former basketball players suffered serious illnesses and require ongoing medical attention. When they were originally diagnosed, they were lucky enough to have good health insurance.

Mourning played primarily for the Miami Heat as a center and power forward and in the middle of his career found that suffered from a rare kidney disorder.

Here’s Mourning’s blog that was posted on the White House website.

by Alonzo Mourning

“When sickness or injury strike, having health insurance can mean the difference between falling and getting back up and dropping out of the game.

I know, because I was at the top of my game – I felt invincible – but when I went for my regular team physical it turned out I had a serious kidney disease. Thankfully it was caught in time to treat it and luckily, I was insured.

Today people across the country who are uninsured, or just want to check out their options can get affordable, quality insurance through the new Health Insurance Marketplace.

 Through the Marketplace, you can compare brand name plans and even get lower monthly payments. And importantly, as part of the health care law, health insurance plans have to offer preventive services like flu shots, diabetes and blood pressure screenings for free. Plus there are no annual or lifetime caps on coverage. So you too can get the physical you need to catch small problems before they become big ones. And the coverage you need to get ongoing care without breaking the bank.Visit HealthCare.gov today to look at your options.

 Quality, affordable coverage is just a call, click or conversation away. You have until March 31 to sign up.

Enroll today so you can stay in the game.”

 

Magic Johnson was a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers when he was diagnosed with HIV more than 20 years ago.

Here’s what he wrote:

 by Magic Johnson

“No one plans to get sick or hurt — I certainly didn’t — but most people will need medical care at some point in their lives.

As an athlete, I understood the value of my health insurance. I knew that in my profession, injuries were common and could happen at any time.

It was important that I had the insurance needed to protect me in case I got hurt. It’s been almost 20 years since my playing days and having health insurance is still important to me.

All athletes know that a broken bone, or knee surgery can cost a lot, and medical bills can add up. But it doesn’t just happen to professional athletes, it can happen to anybody. And, without health insurance, some medical treatments can cost thousands of dollars.

The good news is, now you can finally get the health insurance you need. The new HealthInsurance Marketplace offers affordable, quality health insurance that can help you get the care you need without risking your life savings.

The Marketplace is a new, simpler way to purchase health insurance — all in one place. You can go online to find and compare options, determine if you qualify for lower costs, and enroll in the plan that’s right for you.I encourage folks to check out my video and visit HealthCare.gov to determine your options.

Everyone should have the opportunity to get affordable, quality health coverage. There’s still time to enroll through March 31.

Protect your health — enroll today.”