What’s Covered in My Child’s Health Insurance Plan?
Not all insurance plans cover the same things. It's important to think about what plan works best for you and your family. Primary care services will always be covered under your child's insurance plan. This includes wellness/preventive screenings and treatment for certain illnesses and injuries. Remember to ask whether your doctor is in your insurance company’s network as the cost of these visits will vary. Vaccinations are another important service that is typically covered by your health plan, and many are free. Make sure you’re making time to speak with your child’s physician to see what vaccines are best for them.The top immunizations the CDC recommends for children and adolescents are:
- Flu- Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs.
- Chickenpox- Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that usually occurs during childhood.
- MMR - Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is a childhood combination vaccine against mumps, measles, and rubella.
- HPV- Human papillomavirus (HPV) refers to a vast family of viruses that can lead to cancer or wart-like growths called papilloma.
- Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- Tetanus is a central nervous system condition that can be lethal. It is brought on by a poison (toxin) that the tetanus bacteria produces.
- Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucousmembranes, and potentially fatal heart and nerve damage. It is now rare in developed countries because of immunization.
- Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has unfortunately had a resurgence as fewer children have been vaccinated. It can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. Pertussis can be extremely serious, especially in babies and young children, causing pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or death.
- COVID-19 - COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older.