The Department of Health Services announced at a news conference in Milwaukee Thursday (Aug. 19) that Wisconsin will be one of seven states piloting a new state and federal initiative to boost enrollment in children’s health insurance programs. The initiative, called Get Covered, Get in the Game, will bring together coaches, schools, and communities to educate families with children about the immediate availability of children’s health coverage programs, such as BadgerCare Plus. According to a Journal Sentinel article today:
“The campaign will recruit athletic coaches at 20 high schools around Wisconsin, as well as community groups such as the Boys and Girls Club, youth soccer, and the United Way, to get the word out to families eligible for state or federal health insurance programs. The campaign hopes to catch the estimated 5 million children who are uninsured in the country by targeting them at school physicals and sports events.”
At yesterday’s news conference at the Don and Sallie Davis Boys and Girls Club in Milwaukee, state Medicaid director Jason Helgerson noted that children need to have an annual school checkup to participate in intramural and team sports, so it’s an effective way for coaches to identify those without health insurance. He called the initiative a “golden opportunity” to find and enroll the 3 percent of Wisconsin children who are still uninsured.
The National Council of Youth Sports estimates 44 million boys and girls participate in organized youth sports. Uninsured kids often miss out because they cannot afford the necessary physical often required to participate in youth sports or because their families are concerned they would be unable to pay for treatment if their kids get hurt.
In announcing the initiative earlier this month, Secretary Sebelius explained why covering kids is so important:
“Healthy kids do better in school and in life because they are able to participate fully in activities that develop their bodies and their minds. Kids should not have to miss out on their favorite sports and other activities that get them moving because they lack health insurance coverage.”
The federal Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will support events launching this initiative, outreach to news outlets across the pilot states, coaches’ trainings, and the placement of promotional materials at select youth sports events to help direct families to enrollment assistance.
Educational materials for Wisconsin coaches and parents are available by clicking here. See, for example, this flyer or PSA for Wisconsin coaches.
Advocates can help by encouraging radio stations to use the PSAs and by urging their school districts to get involved in the campaign.