"Getting children in to see doctors for yearly check-ups and immunizations may be difficult or impossible for families without health insurance," said Secretary Karen Timberlake. "Regardless of a family’s income, BadgerCare Plus allows an uninsured Wisconsin family access to the comprehensive health care coverage children deserve at a price families can afford."

BadgerCare Plus offers health care coverage to uninsured children in Wisconsin. Income eligible families are able to enroll their children in BadgerCare Plus at no charge or buy into the program at a reasonable cost depending on their income. For more information about BadgerCare Plus visit www.BadgerCarePlus.org, call 1-800-362-3002 or contact your local county or tribal human services agency.

Parents can safeguard their children’s health before the new school year starts by taking them to the doctor for a complete physical exam. During a checkup, health care providers will check the height, weight, blood pressure, hearing and vision of your child to assure that he or she is growing and developing satisfactorily.

BadgerCare Plus also covers the cost of immunizations—an important part of a child’s overall health picture. Parents should check with their child’s doctor or nurse to make sure their child is up-to-date with immunizations. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your child healthy by preventing the spread of common childhood diseases like measles, mumps and influenza.

Vaccinations are recommended not only for children entering grades K-12, but also for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms. These students should consider vaccination to protect against meningitis and hepatitis B.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep track of each immunization visit, and to ask their health care provider about how to access their child’s immunization records through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

For more information about the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, go to dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/WIR.htm

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