As summer wraps up and the school year begins, families get busy—shopping for supplies, organizing schedules, and preparing kids for the classroom. But there’s one more important task to complete before school starts: checking your child’s health insurance.
Having the right coverage means your child can get checkups, vaccines, glasses, and other care they may need during the year—without unexpected bills. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading off to college, this guide from EIMA Health walks you through the key steps to make sure your family is covered.
- Key Takeaways
- Step 1: Make Sure Your Plan Is Up to Date
- 🩺 Step 2: Schedule Checkups and Required Vaccines
- 😁 Step 3: Review Dental and Vision Coverage
- ⚠️ Step 4: What to Do If Your Child Lost Medicaid or CHIP
- 🏫 Step 5: Choose a Plan That Fits Your Child’s Needs
- 🧭 Step 6: Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
- 📋 Back-to-School Health Coverage Checklist
- ✅ Conclusion: Start the School Year with Confidence
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- I had a baby this year. Do I need to update my health insurance?
- What vaccines does my child need to start school in Texas?
- Is dental and vision coverage included for kids?
- What should I do if my child lost Medicaid or CHIP?
- Can I still change my plan if it’s not Open Enrollment?
- How do I know if a doctor or dentist is in my plan’s network?
- How much does it cost to get help from EIMA Health?
- How do I get started with EIMA Health?
Key Takeaways
- Update Your Plan After Major Life Changes
Changes like having a baby, moving, or a child turning 18 or 26 can affect your Marketplace coverage. Updates must be made within 30 days. - Annual Checkups and Vaccines Are Free with ACA Plans
Texas schools require certain vaccines. Marketplace plans include one free well-child visit and required immunizations when using in-network providers. - Pediatric Dental and Vision Coverage Is Available but Not Always Included
Children under 19 should have access to dental and vision benefits, but parents may need to actively choose these during enrollment. - Losing Medicaid or CHIP Qualifies You for a Special Enrollment Period
Families can sign up for a new ACA plan immediately after Medicaid or CHIP ends—often with low or no monthly premiums. - Choose a Plan That Matches Your Child’s Needs
Consider your child’s health needs—like medications, therapy, or sports injuries—when comparing plans, not just the monthly cost. - You Can Get Free Help from EIMA Health
EIMA Health provides one-on-one, no-cost support for families updating, choosing, or understanding their health coverage. - Starting the School Year with the Right Coverage Brings Peace of Mind
When children have proper health coverage, they can focus on learning, participating in school activities, and staying healthy throughout the year.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Plan Is Up to Date
Has your family changed recently? If so, your health insurance might need an update. Here are some common life events that may affect your plan:
- You had a baby or adopted a child
- Your child turned 18 or 26
- Someone joined or left your household
- You moved to a new ZIP code or city
- Your income changed
These updates can change your monthly costs or the kind of help (subsidies) you qualify for. They must be reported within 30 days.
Example:
If your daughter just turned 19 and is starting college at Dallas College – Brookhaven, she might need her own Marketplace plan depending on your income and how taxes are filed.
📌 Tip: Log in to Healthcare.gov or call EIMA Health for free help with updates.
🩺 Step 2: Schedule Checkups and Required Vaccines
Before school begins, most children need a yearly physical and updated vaccines. Texas schools require several immunizations, including:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Polio
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Marketplace plans that follow ACA rules must cover one free well-child visit per year. Vaccines are also included at no cost, as long as you visit a doctor in your plan’s network.
This is also a great time to get flu shots and COVID-19 boosters to help protect your child throughout the year.
Example:
A 10-year-old attending school in Richardson ISD may need both a physical and vaccines before school starts. These are fully covered if you use a provider in your network.
😁 Step 3: Review Dental and Vision Coverage
Good dental and vision care helps kids stay focused in school. All Marketplace plans are required to offer dental and vision coverage for children under 19, but not all plans include it automatically—you may need to add it during enrollment.
Look for:
- Two free dental cleanings per year
- Coverage for fillings or other treatments
- Yearly vision exams
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses
If your current plan doesn’t include these services, EIMA Health can help you find a better option or low-cost add-ons.
⚠️ Step 4: What to Do If Your Child Lost Medicaid or CHIP
Many families in Texas are finding out that their Medicaid or CHIP benefits have ended. If this happened to your child, you may qualify to sign up for a Marketplace plan right away—without waiting for Open Enrollment.
This is called a Special Enrollment Period. It lets you apply for health coverage as soon as you lose Medicaid or CHIP. Depending on your income, you may qualify for a plan with low or even $0 monthly premiums.
You’ll need to provide:
- A notice showing Medicaid or CHIP coverage has ended
- Proof of your household income
- Identification or proof of address
If the process feels confusing, EIMA Health is here to help with free, friendly support.
🏫 Step 5: Choose a Plan That Fits Your Child’s Needs
Not every plan is right for every family. It’s important to choose a plan that fits your child’s specific needs. Consider:
- Do they take daily medication?
- Do they need mental health care, such as counseling for anxiety or ADHD?
- Are they playing school sports and may need care for injuries?
Plans may differ in costs, which doctors they include, and what services they cover. A low monthly premium might seem like a deal, but it could come with higher copays or fewer options when care is needed.
Example:
A family with two children—one in sports and one taking ADHD medication—might choose a plan with lower copays for prescriptions and easy access to urgent care.
EIMA Health can walk you through your choices so you pick the plan that fits your real needs.
🧭 Step 6: Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Health insurance can be tricky. Many parents don’t realize they can change plans after life changes or that their doctor might not be in-network anymore.
Common problems families face include:
- Waiting too long to update their plan
- Choosing a plan that doesn’t cover their regular doctor
- Missing out on free services like vaccines or yearly checkups
At EIMA Health, we help with:
- Reporting life changes
- Comparing plans based on your needs and budget
- Applying after losing Medicaid or CHIP
- Explaining coverage clearly so you feel confident
We’re local, experienced, and ready to help—all at no cost to you.
📋 Back-to-School Health Coverage Checklist
Here’s a quick list to stay on track:
- Report any changes (new baby, move, income, household update)
- Book your child’s checkup and vaccines
- Confirm that dental and vision care are included
- Think about your child’s medical needs this year
- If you lost Medicaid or CHIP, sign up for a new plan right away
- Call EIMA Health for help and support
✅ Conclusion: Start the School Year with Confidence
Having health coverage in place gives your family peace of mind. When your kids are protected with the care they need—checkups, vaccines, glasses, or support for mental health—they can focus better in class and feel their best.
Now is the time to review your plan. If your family has changed, if your child lost Medicaid, or if you simply need help understanding your options, EIMA Health is here for you. We’ll answer your questions and help you get the coverage that works for your family.
📞 Call us at (972) 728-0386
💻 Visit eimahealth.com/contact-us
Let’s make sure your child starts the school year healthy, covered, and ready to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I had a baby this year. Do I need to update my health insurance?
Yes. If you had a baby, adopted a child, or had changes in your household, you need to update your Marketplace plan within 30 days. This helps make sure your new child has coverage and your plan reflects your current family size and income.
What vaccines does my child need to start school in Texas?
Texas schools require vaccines like DTaP, MMR, Polio, and Varicella. Your child may also need a yearly physical. These are often covered at no cost with ACA plans when you visit an in-network doctor.
Is dental and vision coverage included for kids?
All ACA Marketplace plans must offer dental and vision coverage for children under 19, but it may not be automatically included. You may need to add it during enrollment.
What should I do if my child lost Medicaid or CHIP?
If your child’s Medicaid or CHIP coverage ended, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you can sign up for a new Marketplace plan right away—often for $0 per month, depending on your income.
Can I still change my plan if it’s not Open Enrollment?
Yes, if you had a life change like a move, job loss, or loss of Medicaid, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You don’t have to wait until November to make changes.
How do I know if a doctor or dentist is in my plan’s network?
You can check your health plan’s website or call the provider’s office. EIMA Health can also help you find in-network doctors, dentists, and specialists for your family.
How much does it cost to get help from EIMA Health?
Our help is 100% free. We never charge fees or pressure you to choose a specific plan. We’re here to explain your options, answer questions, and support you step by step.
How do I get started with EIMA Health?
Just call us at (972) 728-0386 or visit eimahealth.com/contact-us to schedule your free appointment. We’re happy to help by phone, online, or in person.
This article has been a collaboration between EIMA Health and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on Aug 4, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with EIMA Health’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.
