November Newsletter from Kid Care CHIP

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Health coverage for children in Wyoming.

health.wyo.gov/chip

November 2019

 

The Single Best Way to Protect Against the Flu is to Get Vaccinated Each Year


Flu Shot

By: Dr. Joseph Horam

Flu season is fast approaching and now is the perfect time to make sure you and your kids are protected by getting an annual flu shot. Even if you got a flu shot last year, it is important to get one every year. 

Be sure to get the vaccine before the flu virus begins spreading in our community, since it can take about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective. Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive the vaccination. Getting a flu shot is critical for those who are at high risk for developing serious flu complications. Flu shots are safe, even for those with an egg allergy, with minimal side effects. Do not let your child’s fear of shots stop you. It is important to be honest with your children that a little pinch and discomfort will be a lot less painful than the potential of being sick for up to two weeks. Also, let them know they’re protecting themselves and their friends and classmates from spreading a serious illness.

If you have not yet had your child’s well-child visit for the year, make an appointment.  Let your doctor know you also want to get a flu shot for your child. Flu shots are covered with no copay using your Kid Care CHIP insurance. Most pharmacies and urgent care clinics also offer flu shots. Don’t delay – get your flu shot today!

Dr. Horam is the Chief Medical Officer at BCBSWY and has been a practicing pediatrician in the Cheyenne community for 25+ years.

 

The Fastest Way to Submit Your Renewal


Do you have a renewal coming up? The fastest way to submit the renewal is through the paper renewal form. 

Here are some tips to get your renewal form processed quickly:

- Return the form by the 1st day of the renewal month.

- Fill out the form completely.

- Submit income verification at the same time as the renewal form. This is usually one month of your most recent pay stubs.

- Update the renewal application with changes such as new addresses, name changes or any additional household members.

- Submit the form and verifications through email, wesapplications@wyo.gov or fax, 1-855-329-5205. Renewal forms may also be mailed or hand delivered to 2232 Dell Range Blvd. Ste. 300, Cheyenne, WY 82009. 

Has your address changed? Email your new address to wesapplications@wyo.gov.

 

November is National Gratitude Month


Child laughing cold

Gratitude is something that can be taught and may bring more joy to your family.  Here are a few suggestions on encouraging gratitude from pediatrician Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann in the article, "12 Tips for Teaching Children Gratitude," published on www.healthychildren.org. 

  1. Talk about the best part of the day. Discuss daily what you are thankful for at dinner, before bed or while driving in the car.
  2. Say “thank you.” Teach children to say thank you and use it in a full sentence, “Thank you for making dinner, Dad.”
  3. Make Time for Chores. Find age appropriate chores for your children to do each day for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Give experiential gifts, not stuff. Give a camping trip or a kids day out instead of toys.
  5. Monitor your child’s media. Kids are bombarded with marketing on TV and the Internet. Minimize their exposure so they do not feel like they need the products.

 

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

 

Contact Kid Care CHIP


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

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

For vision benefit question, call Davis Vision 1-800-584-2865 

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