Health coverage for kids and teens in Wyoming.

 July 2017

Free Sports Physicals

Kid Care CHIP has an insider tip for you. If your child has Kid Care CHIP, make an appointment for a wellness exam, instead of sports physical, and its free.*   Lots of clinics and doctor’s offices will charge for a sports physical, but with Kid Care CHIP or other insurance, there is no co-payment for a wellness visit. Having an annual wellness exam will still provide coaches and schools the information they need. In addition, you’ll get the information you need about your child’s health.   Screenings may include: Hearing and vision Measurements: weight, height, BMI and blood pressure. Developmental and behavioral screening Oral health Immunizations Blood Tests   Some tips on making the most of your wellness visit: Be prepared to ask questions. Start making a list today of health concerns you would like to ask about. Bring a pen and paper to take notes. If you need it, ask for more information. Doctor’s offices have many resources to share. Ask what to expect next in your child’s development. Let your older child or teen have time alone with the medical provider to discuss topics they may be embarrassed to discuss in front of you. Don’t forget! Bring the sports physical form to be completed and signed by the provider. If you do not have a medical provider yet, find one at provider.bcbswy.com. *If you have already had a well child exam this year talk to your provider’s office about your options before making an appointment for a sports physical. For more information on wellness exams check out brightfutures.aap.org/families.

Sun Safety

Spending time in the sun is fun, but the sun can also damage skin and eyes.  

Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, cataracts and immune system suppression, plus give you wrinkles. Making sun safety a habit each time you leave the house will prevent some of these risks. 

Wear Sunscreen

• Generously apply sunscreen 20 minutes before   going outside.  
• Buy sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that protects from both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. 
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after   sweating and swimming.

Wear Protective Clothing

• Wear long-sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for the best protection. 
• Get sunglasses that block 90-100% UVA and UVB.

Enjoy the Shade

• The UVA rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. During theses hours, stay inside or seek shade under an umbrella or a leafy tree.

Check the UV Index

• Check the UV index before going out
• Download the UV index app.

Find Other Sources of Vitamin D

• Get your vitamin from other sources. Take supplements and eat food fortified with Vitamin D.

Take extra caution...

• with infants. Children under 6 months should avoid sun exposure. Dress them in long pants, long sleeves, and brimmed hats. Be sure to put sunscreen on exposed areas.
• in the snow, water or on sand. All three reflect light so your chance of sunburn increases. 

Some of the many sun safety resources:

www.epa.gov

www.skincancer.org

www.healthychildren.org

Sunglass Savvy for Kids

Quality and durability count when protecting your kids’ eyes from the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation, www.skincancer.org, has some tips on finding the right shades for your child this summer. 

Find sunglasses that...

• your child likes. They have to wear them!
• block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• are impact resistant with scratch proof lenses.
• do not warp vision. You and your child should look through them before purchasing to make sure they are OK to see through.

Edible Sources of Vitamin D

The sun provides us with essential Vitamin D, but it can also be found on your plate. You can also get Vitamin D from safer sources such as milk, oatmeal, tuna, salmon, egg yolks, cheese and orange juice.

Time to Renew?

Kid Care CHIP coverage must be renewed every year. 

Renew over the phone: 855-294-2127

Not sure when to renew?

Please e-mail kidcarechip@wyo.gov

Spread the Word

Share information about Kid Care CHIP with your community.  Find Facebook posts, Tweets, sample newsletter articles and e-mails on our website.

Contact Kid Care CHIP

For health, pharmacy and vision benefit questions, call Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming: 1-800-209-9720

For dental benefit questions, contact Delta Dental of Wyoming: 1-800-735-3379

For other questions, e-mail kidcarechip@wyo.gov

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