A healthy, happy summer for kids
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed what summer 2020 looks like, since it affects all of our lives and will continue to for some time. Wearing a face covering remains vital, activities are limited, and health is more important than ever. Here’s some helpful information on getting care, making your circle wider, and more.
Get your child a check-up and earn rewards
Wellness and vaccines are crucial right now. We want you to make sure your children get the care they need! For children between the ages of 3-6, you may qualify to receive a $25 gift card when you have a well-child visit with your child’s provider. Even with questions about school schedules, we want your child to be ready for school. During their early years, your child grows in learning, thinking and problem-solving. They gain new skills like crawling, walking and talking, known as developmental milestones. Screening can tell if a child is meeting these milestones, or if there are delays. Finding delays early helps you and your child’s provider identify services that may help. This screening is fully covered. Ask about it during a well-child visit.
Earn rewards for getting vaccines, too!
It’s also important to keep your children’s vaccines up to date. For children under 2 or between the ages of 11-13, you may qualify to receive a $25 gift card when you see your child’s provider and get vaccines up to date. If you’re not sure which vaccines your child needs, see our online charts:
Many providers now offer appointments via phone or video, drive-through vaccines or other options. A well-child appointment is your chance to review your child’s weight, diet and overall health, get health questions answered and update vaccines.
Don’t forget the dentist
Your child’s mouth is part of their body! Children should begin seeing a dentist at least once or twice each year, starting at age 1. Dental clinics are taking steps to keep you and your family safe during COVID-19.
When your child sees the dentist, you can ask questions about your child’s oral health. They’ll check for cavities or any other issues. If you or your child are having any dental pain, call your dentist. They may be able to schedule a phone visit with you to see if an in-person visit is needed right away. If you don’t have a dentist, call your dental plan (listed on the back of your Member ID card). They can help you find one.
Visits in person and by video or phone
Clinics continue to get people the care they need, even during COVID-19. They’re also working to make sure in-person appointments are as safe as possible for you and your family. Here are some of the safety measures you might see at clinics:
- You’ll be required to wear a face covering.
- You may be asked to wait outside until it’s time for your appointment.
- Check-in may happen by phone.
- Temperature, pulse, oxygen and other measurements may be taken before you’re allowed to enter.
- Exam rooms and equipment will be cleaned between each patient’s visit.
If your child has a phone or video appointment, here are some ways to make sure it goes well. When you schedule, ask how you should prepare for the visit:
- Take your child’s weight and temperature before the visit. If you don’t have the equipment you need to do this, tell your provider.
- Have a list of any specialists or other providers your child sees (for example, a heart doctor or a counselor). Also, have your pharmacy name and location and names of medicines your child takes.
- Your child or you — whoever is talking with the provider — should use a phone or computer with a camera. Be sure to test them before the appointment.
- Get a phone, tablet or computer ready a few minutes before the appointment. You may need to download an app. Ask your clinic for directions.
- Find a quiet, private space so you can talk with your child’s provider freely.
If you have questions about how to connect to your provider, please call CareOregon Customer Service at 503-416-4100, toll-free at 800-224-4840 or TTY 711. You can also send us a secure message through the member portal at careoregon.org/portal
Manage your circle
Expanding your social “bubble” — the group of people you spend time near — is good for the mental health of children and adults. Whether it’s grandparents, close friends or someone else, seeing other people will mean a lot to your children. Once you expand your circle, you shouldn’t switch circles and see other people — for the safety of all, circles should remain tight. Learn more about making your circle wider here.
Make sure your kids eat well
This summer, because of COVID-19, Oregon provides “Pandemic EBT” — money for food for people who qualify. If you have SNAP, you’ll automatically get more funds to help you through the summer. If you need help with food, you can apply on the Oregon Department of Education website to see if you qualify for SNAP help. The application is here: ode.state.or.us/apps/frlapp. Requirements have changed during COVID-19 so you might qualify if you didn’t in the past.
Have a happy, healthy summer
This year is strange, to say the least. But that doesn’t mean this summer can’t be fun for you and your kids. Make sure that, even in the midst of COVID-19, you are getting your children the care they need. Wear your face covering, enjoy the sun, stay active and make memories safely.
More helpful resources
How often should you see the doctor? 6 important considerations
COVID-19: What to expect when your dentist’s office reopens
Ways to keep kids active during coronavirus disease era
Coronavirus bubbles: How do they work and who is in yours?
