Every fall, four-year olds take their first steps on a soccer ball at school or in the community. High-school seniors practice for the state championship football game. Every child who plays sports learns lessons about teamwork and how to win and lose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who play in sports teams have more energy, are more productive at school, and are more likely to be successful long after their participation ends.

The benefits of playing on a sports team may not be available to 5 million American children who are uninsured. These children often miss out on the opportunity to play in a team because they cannot afford treatment or a physical. Jackie, a 13 year-old girl who was eager to run for her school’s track and field team, was one such child until her family discovered that Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program were available.

The federal Medicaid and CHIP programs offer low-cost or free health care for children. A family of four can generally get their kids coverage if they earn up to $45,000 annually. Children can be enrolled to receive regular checks-ups, shots, prescription drugs, as well as vision and hearing care, doctor visits, and hospital care.

The school nurse discovered that Jackie didn’t have health insurance and her mother had died from a heart attack in the previous 50 years. She knew that Jackie would require more than a simple sports physical to allow her to compete in track. Jackie was connected by the nurse to an outreach worker, who helped Jackie enroll in the state’s insurance program. Jackie visited a primary physician in two days. The tests revealed a possible heart syndrome. Jackie was referred to a cardiacologist after further examinations.

Jackie was able not only to get on the team by learning about the various health coverage options, but it also saved her life. Jackie is covered on and off-the field. Children with insurance have better health as they grow up and throughout their teens. They are less likely get sick more often, receive the treatment they need when they aren’t feeling well, and are less likely not to miss school or a major sporting event because of illness.

Families without children can connect to Medicaid and CHIP programs in their states through InsureKidsNow.gov. Or by calling 1-877-KIDSNOW.