Get Back-to-School Ready With Free or Low-Cost Health Care for Your Kids

August 21, 2025

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offer free or low-cost health insurance coverage that families should consider as part of back-to-school preparations. These programs provide comprehensive healthcare services for children up to age 19, including well-child visits, emergency care, dental, vision, and behavioral health services. Coverage through Medicaid and CHIP helps reduce school absences, minimizes health-related distractions, and improves classroom participation and high school completion rates.

Who is affected

Children and teens up to age 19
Families with income levels that qualify for coverage (up to $80,000 annually for a family of four in most states)
More than 37 million children and teens currently covered by Medicaid and CHIP across the United States
School-aged children from preschool through high school

What action is being taken

Year-round enrollment is being offered for Medicaid and CHIP coverage
Comprehensive health services are being provided including well-child visits, sick visits, emergency care, dental, vision, and behavioral health services
Families are being connected with consistent healthcare providers through these programs
States are maintaining Medicaid and CHIP programs with varying eligibility requirements

Why it matters

Children with health insurance are less likely to miss school due to illness
Covered children experience fewer distractions from pain or vision problems
Health coverage leads to increased classroom participation and better chances of high school completion
Access to consistent healthcare reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations
Having coverage ensures children can get required physicals for afterschool activities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint