Summer isn’t over yet, but it’s almost back to school season. For parents, this means it’s time to make a list of all the things your child needs for the new school year. As you start shopping for new notebooks, pencils, binders and clothes, don’t forget your child’s school-related health checklist. Now is the time to schedule appointments and beat the rush, as health care providers are usually busy just before the school year starts. TRICARE provides many clinical preventive services for children.
“A checkup with the doctor is an opportunity for children to undergo a thorough physical exam that also addresses any emotional, developmental or any other questions and concerns parents may have,” said Dr. Stacy Usher, chief nurse consultant at Clinical Oversight and Integration for the TRICARE Health Plan, Defense Health Service. “TRICARE covers many preventive health services at no out-of-pocket cost to families.”
Follow this checklist for your child’s back-to-school health care needs.
1. Regular health checks and physical examinations
Do a health check for your children while they are still on holiday. As a result, your doctor can confirm that they are healthy and disease-free before they are reunited with their classmates. Also, some schools require physical fitness for enrollment. TRICARE covers naturally when required for school enrollment. This does not include athletic bodysuits, which are separate. TRICARE does not cover annual sports physicals.
For younger children, TRICARE covers exams for good kids from birth to age 6.
2. Vaccinations
This is a great time for your kids to catch up routine vaccinations. Their doctor will review their immunization records and confirm that they are current and meet the school’s requirements. You can get covered vaccines from any TRICARE-authorized provider at no cost. However, you may have to pay copayments or cost shares for the office visit or for other services you received during the same visit. Note that you can also get some covered vaccines at no cost TRICARE Retail Pharmacy Network.
Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends vaccines against COVID-19 for all 6 months and over and boosters for all 5 years and over if eligible? Use it The CDC’s COVID-19 toolkit to find out if and when your child or teen can get boosters to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
3. Dental checks and cleanings
When was the last time your child visited the dentist? Scheduling a dental cleaning will allow your child’s dentist to look for potential problems before they get worse. If you can schedule an appointment in the summer, it will ensure that your child does not have to miss a day of school because of a dental appointment. TRICARE offers dental coverage to active-duty family members (including National Guard and Reserve family members) through TRICARE Dental Program (TDP). According to the TRICARE Dental Program HandbookThe TDP covers two routine cleanings and two fluoride treatments during a consecutive 12-month period for children aged 1 year and older. You can enroll your children in TDP at any time.
If your child has dental coverage through Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), follow the rules of this plan.
4. Vision projections
A simple eye exam can show if a child has vision problems and ensure that their eyes are overall healthy. You can take routine eye examsdepending on your beneficiary status, your health plan and your age. They can take the children of active duty personnel annual eye exams. Children of retirees with TRICARE Prime can receive a routine eye exams every two years.
If your child has vision coverage through FEDVIP, follow the rules of this plan.
5. Mental health screening
Your child’s mental health is also important. It’s something you can bring up with their doctor, especially if you have questions or concerns. TRICARE covers medical and psychological needs mental health services for families in times of stress, depression, grief and anxiety. If you need care, keep in mind that you don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for most outpatient mental health services. This includes services such as therapy and counseling.
While scheduling appointments for your child, don’t forget that preventive checks for you or other family members. Check it out Getting Preventive Care page to learn how to get care under the TRICARE health plan. Your whole family can use this time to maintain their health.
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