BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEANS BACKPACKS, SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND HEALTH COVERAGE THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER DALLAS HELPS LOCAL CHILDREN START THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG WITH HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

With back-to-school season underway, many parents are busy meeting their child’s health requirements for immunizations, physicals, eye exams and dental visits before they enter the classroom or join after-school activities. Without health coverage these requirements pose a challenge for many families. Many parents in Texas are unaware that these annual checkups are all covered through Children’s Medicaid. Children and teens up to age 19 can get free or low-cost health coverage through these programs. The best part is that children can enroll anytime, 365 days a year.

Children and teens who have health coverage are better prepared to learn in school and they are less likely to miss school because they are sick.

We know parents are in need of this critical information, especially during back-to-school season. According to an Associated Press article, posted by the Dallas Morning News, an estimated 875,000 Texans are eligible for Medicaid but have not applied and more than 4.5 million Texans receive some level of federal health coverage, with most being children. It is expected that many more will receive vital healthcare coverage as families are eligible to apply on an ongoing basis.

The Community Council of Greater Dallas wants to remind local families that they can enroll their children in Children’s Medicaid year-round and application assistance is FREE. The Community Council of Greater Dallas is available to assist eligible families with the application process. Families are encouraged to call 214-414-5650 or visit www.chipmedicaid.org.