Venus Williams’ recent singles win at the D.C. Open showcased her longevity and brought attention to health coverage for aging athletes following a joking comment she made in an on-court interview.

In the U.S., as nowhere else, health insurance and employment are deeply connected. And that means confusion can snare even elite athletes.

Venus Williams returned to tennis this week, winning her first tour-level match in two years. She says she returned to the court, in part, to keep her health insurance. “I had to come back for the insurance because they informed me earlier this year that I’m on COBRA!