Everyone faces different challenges in the healthcare industry, but families have a lot to juggle. Having children changes which insurance you might choose and where you get medical care. If you want to feel prepared for your child’s future, read about these eight things moms need to know about healthcare.
You’ll get a better idea of what kids need and how they can stay healthy with tips like these. Write reminders in your calendar and take notes so you don’t forget anything while these things become your new normal.
1. CHIP Covers Healthcare Costs
Health insurance companies often charge costly monthly premiums to pitch in for services your child might need. It could also cost too much to add a new child to your existing plan. Low-income families can find medical coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The federal government runs this program for families who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. The benefits cover a range of services like prescriptions and routine checkups, as well as dental and vision care. See if you are eligible, so you don’t have to dread the financial repercussions of taking your family to the doctor.
2. Keep a Medical Records Copy
Your pediatrician will keep your child’s medical records safe until they grow up and need them sent to their primary care doctor. Every parent can request a copy of these records in case of an emergency. If your kid has to go to the emergency room in the middle of the night, grabbing your copy of their records will give the first responders knowledge about your child’s allergies and prescriptions.
Doctor’s offices aren’t always open all day, every day. Keep a copy of your child’s medical records safe so they get the care they need even when you can’t reach their doctor.
3. Preventative Care is Essential
Many people get into the habit of going to the doctor’s office once every few years. While there are many legitimate reasons for this cost being one of them preventative care makes yearly appointments essential for your family’s health.
Routine checkups include preventative care measures that benefit kids. Your pediatrician will assess their behavior, screen for diseases and give them age-appropriate vaccinations. These services may seem basic, but every child must get them. They catch diseases and save lives, which is one of the most important things moms need to know about healthcare for kids.
4. Schools Require Updated Records
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists required vaccinations for children and advises when they should get them. Schools choose which of these they’ll require for enrolled students, so double-check required vaccination lists when your child switches schools. They may need to get a few additional shots and provide updated records.
5. Advocate for Your Child
One of the other things moms need to know about healthcare is that they become a healthcare advocate when they have a baby or adopt a child. Kids might not know how to verbalize their feelings or concerns, but adults do. Take note of anything your child complains about and bring them up at their next pediatrician appointment. Translate what their doctor says so they understand what’s happening in the moment.
Advocating for your child means voicing what they can’t. It may feel tiring if your kid has ongoing medical concerns and you have to speak with endless doctors, but it’s a significant part of being a good parent.
6. Give Teens a Voice
Teenagers are still underage and need parental consent for medical procedures, but they’re also learning how to become adults. When they go for checkups, allow them to have more of a voice. You can still advocate for them when they don’t understand something, but let them ask their questions. They’ll become more comfortable speaking up for themselves, which they’ll need both inside and outside the doctor’s office.
Your teen might also feel too embarrassed to address medical concerns in front of you. Parents often step outside into the hallway to let their teenagers talk privately with their doctors too.
7. Respect Their Privacy
Your family’s approach to healthcare can also change when your child becomes a teenager. Depending on which state you live in, teens could receive medical autonomy and HIPAA privacy as young as 13. This means you wouldn’t be able to access what they discussed with their doctor unless they gave permission or it was a life-threatening event that needed your guidance as their legal guardian.
This can create tension sometimes. Talk with your child’s pediatrician to clarify what’s confidential and when you’ll have to step out of the examination room. If your teen chooses to loop you into their checkups, that’s their decision.
8. Childbirth Costs Vary
Expecting moms should also know that their healthcare might change due to childbirth. The average cost of hospital childbirth costs $10,808-30,000 in the U.S., depending on what services you need.
Private insurance companies may cover only a small part of that bill, so look into your current coverage. Your final bill will vary depending on where you give birth and which active insurance plan you have on your due date.
Stay Up to Date
These are eight things moms need to know about healthcare, but the list is always changing. Stay in contact with your child’s doctor so they get the checkups and vaccinations they need to live a healthy life. When you keep tabs on their health and stay updated on your insurance benefits, you’ll be the best advocate for your kids until they’re old enough to take charge of their healthcare.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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