Jennifer Hudson, Bon Jovi and other big name Hollywood entertainers have been asked to help U.S. leader President Barack Obama spread awareness about his healthcare plan to young people.

Officials at the White House held a meeting with Hudson, Amy Poehler, Michael Cera and Kal Penn and representatives for Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys and Bon Jovi on Monday (22Jul13) to kickstart the new initiative.

Government officials told the stars they can be instrumental in getting the message out about the Affordable Care Act, the president's signature healthcare legislation, to younger uninsured Americans, who can help offset the costs of older Americans' care.

An official who attended the meeting says, "President Obama underscored that the efforts of these artists will be especially helpful since young uninsured Americans (ages 18-35) are key enrolment targets for the new marketplaces."

After the meeting a White House representative said many of the attendees showed interest.

The official says, "(They) expressed a personal interest in educating young people about the Affordable Care Act."