TAMPA, Fla., Aug 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Every parent's back-to-school list should include more than just new school supplies and clothes. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) is reminding parents that now is a good time to get their children's medical check-ups and immunizations. In the coming weeks, WellCare will participate in dozens of back-to-school events across the country to donate school supplies and to stress the importance of preventive care like annual well-child visits, dental check-ups and immunizations.
Medicaid recipients ages 12 and older have the lowest well-care visit rate of any age group, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. To help increase this rate, WellCare sends annual reminders to parents about preventive health services needed by age group, and in some cases can arrange for transportation if a family has difficulty getting to a medical appointment.
"An annual well-child visit is essential to maintaining your child's health," said Dr. Maria Samerson, a pediatrician and WellCare's corporate medical director. "It helps to establish a rapport with the physician, keeps your child up to date with vaccinations and allows the doctor time to assess and monitor your child's growth. If there are problems, early diagnosis can often lead to better health outcomes."
Tips from Dr. Samerson to help make your child's school year a healthier one:
- Schedule preventive care check-ups. Consult with your primary care doctor on all the clinical preventive services your children need.
- Schedule a sports physical visit and bring the necessary forms if your children will be involved in school athletic programs.
- Review immunization records. You will need official copies of immunization records to enroll your children in school.
- Stress the importance of an early bedtime, eating healthy and participating in routine physical activity with your children.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2016. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
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