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How We Help California's Children

Health Coverage for Kids

Tips for Parents & Caregivers



	Health Coverage for Kids - Tips for Parents & Caregivers Prevention is Key From preventive care for infants, to regular check ups for toddlers and young children, the best way to make sure that your child grows up healthy is to take her/him to the doctor before he/she gets sick. These regular visits to the doctor, even when your child is not sick, are called “well child visits.” Well child visits are very important for your child's health. They provide an important way to make sure that your child's growth and development is on the right track and can help identify and treat problems early. Studies have found that children who see a doctor frequently are more likely to do well in school because they are less likely to have a serious health problem go untreated.
	Why Is Health Insurance So Important For My Child? Health insurance allows parents to take their child to the doctor not just when a child is very ill, but all through the child's different growth stages. It also allows parents to develop a relationship with a doctor who can provide important health and parenting advice. Children who have health insurance are less likely to: Visit emergency rooms for routine healthcare Delay needed medical care when they are sick or injured Miss school Fall behind in school and perform below grade level How Often Should I Take My Child to the Doctor? How often you take your child to the doctor has a lot to do with his or her age. Doctors often like to see young babies monthly and older babies every two to three months. The pediatrician should see older children and teens once a year. Next time you see your pediatrician ask him/her how often you should bring your child in for a check-up. What happens during a preventive doctor's visit? Immunizations are another reason to take your child to the doctor. Immunizations protect your child from dangerous diseases like Polio, Meningitis, Measles, Tetanus and Chicken Pox. These diseases can make your baby very ill. Ask your doctor about the immunizations your child should receive. It is important that children visit a doctor on a regular basis because children, especially those 5 years and younger, change and develop very quickly. These visits allow the doctor to check the baby's weight, reflexes, hearing and vision to ensure that baby is developing appropriately. There are questions, problems and risks that can take place during each growth period that only a doctor can address. The advice given to parents of a 3-month-old will be quite different from the advice given for a 3-year-old, which is still different from the advice given for a 13-year-old. During these visits, doctors will discuss development, nutrition and behavior. They will also talk to you about what to expect, and things to watch out for, in the weeks and months following your visit so you can become informed and involved in your child's health. It is also important that your child begin visits to a dentist starting at one year of age and that he or she receive a vision check-up prior to starting school. These preventive measures can protect your child from more serious problems later on. Resources There are different government-assisted insurance programs that your family might qualify for. By using the resources below, you can find out which program is the right one for your children and get help with enrolling.