Back To School: Don't Forget About Health Care

As summer winds down and families gear up for a new school year, the focus naturally shifts to school supplies, new clothes, and classroom readiness. But one of the most essential parts of preparing for school often gets overlooked: your child’s health.

Whether your child is entering Pre-K or heading off to high school, access to consistent, preventive health care can play a major role in their success this school year. From updated vaccines to routine physicals, having a health care plan in place ensures that your child is ready to learn and thrive.

Health Care Is School Readiness

A healthy child is a ready-to-learn child. Physical well-being impacts everything from attendance to concentration, and even behavior in the classroom.

Some key health-related steps to take before school starts:

• Schedule an annual check-up. Most insurance plans (including Medicaid and CHIP) cover annual wellness visits at no cost.

• Get up to date on vaccines. Schools often require current immunization records. This protects your child and helps stop the spread of illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and the flu.

• Schedule vision and hearing screenings. Undiagnosed hearing or vision issues can affect learning, especially in early grades.

• Talk to your child’s doctor about mental health. Anxiety and stress are increasingly common in school-age children. A pediatrician can help screen for mental health concerns and offer referrals if needed.

  
  

Don’t Have a Doctor Yet? Now’s the Time to Find One

Many families move over the summer or change insurance plans without realizing it might mean changing doctors too. Before school starts, make sure your family has a primary care provider (PCP) within your network who accepts your health insurance. 

If you’re not sure how to find a doctor in your network:

• Check your insurance provider directory online

• Call your health plan’s member services

• Ask a local clinic for help enrolling or transferring care

  
  

Need help figuring this out? Pathways To Coverage has trained Navigators who can help you connect with doctors and clinics that accept your insurance and meet your family’s needs.

Do You Qualify for Free or Low-Cost Coverage?

If you're unsure about your current health plan or don’t have insurance, programs like Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), and Marketplace plans offer affordable options for families.

Our Navigators can walk you through the application or renewal process and explain your benefits once you’re enrolled.

Back to School with Confidence

Starting the school year is about more than buying pencils and backpacks. It’s about making sure your child is physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared. By prioritizing health care now, you’re setting them up for better attendance, fewer sick days, and a stronger chance to succeed.

We're Here to Help

Don’t wait until there’s a problem to act. Call us if you need help:

• Finding a doctor

• Understanding your health plan

• Applying for coverage for your child or family

  
  

Our services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.