The EPSDT Care for Kids program provides routine physicals or well-child check-ups at specified ages. It is considered preventive care.
Preventive care is as important for your child's health as treatment is when he or she is sick. Proper preventive care helps keep your child healthy and is also linked to school readiness.
Shots are one of the most important preventive services for children. Shots (also called vaccines) protect your child from diseases such as polio, measles and mumps. Your doctor will check your child to make sure he or she is growing and developing properly. Your doctor will tell you what you can do to keep your child's teeth healthy. Your doctor may also give you advice on how to keep your child safe from accidents and injuries (for example, using car seats and seat belts and keeping your child away from poisons and electrical outlets). Your doctor will also talk to you about teaching your child healthy eating and exercise habits.
Children birth through age 20 years who have an active Iowa Medicaid card.
Initial and periodic health check-ups including, but not limited to, the following:
Children should get EPSDT Care for Kids exams at regular times, even when they are feeling well.
Babies grow fast and needs a lot of EPSDT exams. They need exams at:
Toddlers need exams at:
After 30 months, children need an EPSDT Care for Kids exam at ages 3, 4, 5, 6 and then every two years up to age 21. Additional exams are also covered based upon a child's needs.
EPSDT Care for Kids coordinators provide assistance to families in all of Iowa's 99 counties. Coordinators provide:
If you have more questions about the EPSDT Care for Kids program, or would like to talk with an EPSDT Care for Kids coordinator, please call the Healthy Families Line at 1-800-369-2229. The Healthy Families Line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For other helpful resources, click on the 'Resources' link on this page.
You may also use the "Contact Us" link to submit questions online.
