Q. What is KIDMED?

A. KIDMED is a program of Louisiana Medicaid that provides preventive health care for Medicaid-covered children under the age of 21. The goal of KIDMED is to find and treat health problems early and to ensure that healthy children stay that way. KIDMED gives children medical exams every so often, including hearing and vision checks after age 4. KIDMED gives immunizations at the appropriate ages and includes lab tests to look for certain common problems.

Q. How does KIDMED work?

A. Each child is linked to a KIDMED provider chosen by the parent or guardian. That provider will see the child for KIDMED screenings at certain ages, making sure the child is seen for further care if any problems are found. That provider will also remind the parent when the child is due to come into the office for the next KIDMED screening.

Q. Will I lose the medical card if my children get KIDMED?

A. No – KIDMED services are part of the Medicaid services available with the medical card. And there are no extra eligibility requirements to meet for children under 21 to have KIDMED services.

Q. If my children get LaCHIP, do they get KIDMED?

A. Children who are certified through LaCHIP may receive the full range of Medicaid services, including KIDMED services.

Q. My case worker filled out a KIDMED form when I applied for Medicaid. Do I still have to do anything to have my children in KIDMED?

A. If you have not been called or contacted by a KIDMED representative, you may contact the KIDMED office at 800.259.4444 to let a KIDMED representative know who you want your children’s KIDMED provider to be.

Q. My child is very healthy. Why does he need another KIDMED exam?

A. KIDMED helps your child stay healthy by looking for problems before your child gets sick. These screening exams help to find things in the very beginning, while they may be easier to take care of. KIDMED exams can help keep your child healthy!

Q. Can all my children have KIDMED medical and dental checkups?

A. Yes - all Medicaid-covered children and youth under age 21 are eligible for KIDMED services, which include medical and dental checkups.

Q. How often should my child get a KIDMED exam?

A. This depends on the age of your child. KIDMED recommends screenings at the following ages: newborn, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, and every two years after age 6. Dental checkups are recommended yearly.

Q. How do I know if my child’s doctor is in the KIDMED program?

A. KIDMED representatives at 800.259.4444 can tell you if your child’s doctor is a KIDMED provider and can tell you who the KIDMED providers are in your area.

Q. I took my sick child to my KIDMED doctor and he didn’t give my baby his shots. Why?

A. First of all, it is good that you recognize the need for vaccines. Complications from vaccine preventable illnesses include:

• Pain
• Time missed from school or work
• pitalization
• Long term disabilities such as blindness or deafness
• Death

Vaccines protect the health of your children and the emotional and financial well-being of your family and community. Vaccines can be given to your child, even when he or she has a mild illness. For more information about vaccines for you and your child, you can go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/parents-guide/default.htm

Secondly, the person that can answer your question is your doctor. Ask questions. If you don’t understand what your doctor is doing or not doing, ask for an explanation. Otherwise, your doctor will think you have all of the information that you want or need. Make a list before you go to the doctor. If you forget something, call the doctor’s office. They are there to help you and your child stay healthy.

Q. What do I do if we move away from my child’s KIDMED clinic?

A. You can contact the Louisiana KIDMED hotline at 800.259.4444. A KIDMED representative will help you select a provider in your area who will perform KIDMED services for your child.

Q. What if my child no longer wants to go to a pediatrician? Can I change to another KIDMED provider?

A. Yes, you may choose another KIDMED provider for your child by calling the Louisiana KIDMED hotline at 800.259.4444.