LeBron James helps out Healthcare.gov in new spot

As open enrollment for marketplaces on Healthcare.gov will conclude at the end of the month, federal health officials have nabbed NBA star LeBron James to shoot up a buzzer beater that will garner more attention from Americans in need of affordable health insurance.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ video, James, an Akron, Ohio native with two NBA Championships under his belt, offers advice on how to sign up for health care under President Barack Obama’s landmark law. 

“So sign up now, you never know when you might take a hit,” the Miami Heat forward says in the 30-second commercial. “Spread the word and get covered today.”

James, also known as “King James” on the hardwood, dons a basketball with the words “Get Covered” scribbled across the center.

Previously, a series of ads featuring retired NBA royalty, Magic Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, were pushed forward by the Health Department to promote exposure and ensure communication on younger populations.

Earlier this week, U.S. Health Department officials said that about 4.2 million have signed up for health insurance through February. However, CMS officials previously noted that they expected a spike in enrollments.

Gary Cohen, director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, said previously that outreach will also touch traditional media, including television, with many commercials expected to run during the NCAA Final Four tournament.

In a report offered by The Bleacher Report, James’ commercial is expected to air on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV. It will also be focused on local sports programming for markets with a high concentration of uninsured people.

"Any way I can help the president, that's pretty cool," James told The Bleacher Report.