Help Kids Get Covered this Back-to-School Season

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As families prepare for the new school year, it’s a great time to remind parents and caregivers to add health coverage to their back-to-school checklist. Many students are eligible for free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) which can help students start the school year strong — and provide parents with greater peace of mind. Medicaid and CHIP can help students get the care they need to stay healthy, which will help them succeed in the classroom, graduate from high school, and experience better long-term health outcomes. This Back-to-School season, we encourage you to promote Medicaid and CHIP enrollment in your community so more eligible children and families can get covered and stay covered throughout the year.

Help Families Learn About Medicaid and CHIP Benefits

As you connect with families in your community, you can help make sure they are aware of the many benefits Medicaid and CHIP cover. While specific services may vary by state, coverage generally includes:

• Annual checkups and school physicals
• Cuidado de salud preventivo
• Salud odontológica
• Vision and hearing services
• Cuidado de salud mental
• Prescription medications and treatment, and
• Specialized services

Everything You Need for Back-to-School Outreach

Your organization can help eligible families enroll in Medicaid and CHIP by sharing the Campaign’s Back-to-School outreach materials. These resources include posters , palmcards , videos, social media content , infographics , and more. Some materials can be customized for free to include your organization’s logo and state-specific information to support your local outreach efforts. Check out the customization guide  for instructions. Resources are available in English and Spanish.

Remind Families About Eligibility and Enrollment

In addition to highlighting Medicaid and CHIP benefits, you can also help remind parents and caregivers how to apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

• Enrollment is open year-round. Families do not have to wait for a specific enrollment period to apply for Medicaid or CHIP.
• Many families may qualify without realizing it. Eligibility varies by state and is based on household size and income. In most states, children up to age 19 in a family of four earning up to $80,000 per year may be eligible, and in some states, children may qualify at even higher income levels.
• There are several ways to apply. InsureKidsNow.gov helps families learn how to apply in their state. You can apply for Medicaid and/or CHIP by phone, mail, or in person through a state Medicaid office.
• Coverage must be renewed every year. Once enrolled, families should watch for renewal notices coming by mail and take the steps outlined in the notice to maintain coverage. Mailing addresses, email, and phone numbers should be kept up-to-date with the state Medicaid office, so families do not miss important coverage information.