Kids' Health

Preventive care

Vaccines, exams, kid germs! There’s always something, right? If you’re ever unsure whether your child needs to see a doctor or how urgent a situation is, rest assured that your health plan offers access to a nurse line. Look at the back of your member ID card and call the number listed. Medical professionals are available 24/7 every day to help you assess the situation and determine if you need care.

Preventive care services are available in all our health plans. Many plans cover these preventive services without any cost to the member, when using in-network providers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine exams for immunizations and screenings beginning after birth up to age 21. Many plans cover immunizations recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) for newborns and children. Your doctor will review immunizations and discuss any concerns with you.

You can also refer to this handy chart from the CDC. Providers can also evaluate children for sports or school physicals at well-child exams. Sign in to your online account and check your benefit booklet to see how your specific plan covers well-child visits.

Diagnostic care

When your child is ill or showing signs of developmental issues or other concerns, care will be billed as diagnostic, which makes it subject to copay and deductible. A well-child visit is a good time to bring up any concerns about development, reaching growth milestones, stress, sleep, bathroom issues, nutrition, behavioral concerns, or safety, but those conversations are considered diagnostic. Sign in to your online account and check your benefit booklet to see how your specific plan covers diagnostic care.

Dental

Tooth decay is the most common children’s dental issue, and it’s preventable! Many pediatric dental plans cover fluoride treatments up to age 18. Screening and fluoride treatments can be done at the pediatrician or a dentist.

Vision

Basic vision screening at the doctor’s office is covered in your child's health plan. If they need glasses, vision is included on most plans up to age 19.

Mental health

Part of a healthy childhood includes reaching emotional milestones, learning healthy social skills, and developing coping skills when things don’t go as planned. Anxiety, behavior, handling emotions, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are some common reasons children get help.

Trust yourself. You know your child better than anyone else. If something doesn’t feel right, mention it to your child’s provider. Premera doesn’t limit the number of mental health visits covered.

Privacy

We’re committed to following Washington state law that protects the health privacy of children beginning at age 13. In Alaska, the age is 18. That means each child at that age can set up an online member account and receive health communications via email or in their name by U.S. Mail. We also cannot share information about mental, sexual, or reproductive health of children of that age without their written consent.

Vaccination records

Did you know that many states keep copies of your vaccination records online? This could come in handy when the school asks for the date of your child’s MMR or if you need proof for travel. The Centers for Disease Control provides links to vaccine information.

Benefits under your health plan may differ, so refer to your benefit booklet for information on what your specific health plan covers.

Your health plan covers preventive care services as required by state and federal law. For more information, please review the "A" and "B" rated services on the United States Preventive Services Task Force, immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and preventive care and screening recommended by the Health Resources and Services Administration. See the list on healthcare.gov.