Wellness Checkups

Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Health Steps checkups and Well-child exams, also known as wellness checkups, are the best way to help your child stay healthy as they grow. Medicaid Members get Texas Health Steps checkups from birth through 20 years of age. CHIP Members get well-child exams from birth through 18 years of age.

What is included in a wellness checkup?

Based on your child’s age, a wellness checkup may include:

Health and developmental history
Height/weight/BMI/blood pressure measurements
Hearing tests and hearing aids
Eye tests and eyeglasses
Developmental and behavioral screenings
Dental care
Physical examination
Lab tests
Immunizations
A recommended immunization schedule for children from birth through 18 years of age is available here.
Preventive Services and Immunizations Guide
Anticipatory guidance/health education
Treatment for other medical conditions
2022 – 2023 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K – 12

Do I have to pay for a wellness checkup?

There is no cost to you if you have Medicaid or CHIP.

What do I bring to the checkup?

Medicaid or CHIP ID card
A list of all medications that your child is taking
Current immunization records
A list of questions that you want to ask the primary care provider

When does my child get a checkup?

Get the first checkup within 90 days of enrollment with Community. It helps us understand your healthcare needs early. You can also get to know your child’s doctor, and your child’s doctor can get to know you.

Wellness Checkup Schedule

Get the first checkup within 5 days after being born. After that, get the rest within 60 days after each checkup age below.
2 weeks	12 months
2 months	15 months
4 months	18 months
6 months	24 months
9 months	30 months
*Children 3 years and older need checkup once a year, on or after each birthday.

Medicaid Members get wellness checkups until they turn 21 years old.
CHIP Members get wellness checkups until they turn 19 years old.

How do I schedule a checkup appointment?

Head Start Students

If you are enrolled or going to enroll in a Head Start program, you may need a checkup within 45 days after enrolling. It is a requirement for Head Start. Please check with your Head Start program.

Texas Health Steps Dental Services

Your child should get regular dental checkups to make sure their teeth and gums are healthy. Dental checkups can begin at age six months and should occur every six months after that. You must choose a Main Dentist to provide your Texas Health Step services through your dental plan. If you need assistance locating a dentist, contact your dental plan:

DentaQuest: 1.800.516.0165
MCNA Dental: 1.800.494.6262

Don’t know who your dental plan is? Call Member Services at 1.888.760.2600 for help.

Transportation Services

CHIP Members: Call Community Member Services for help. Call toll-free at 1.888.760.2600., Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

STAR Members:
Acces2Care provides transportation to non-emergency healthcare appointments for STAR (Medicaid) Members who have no other transportation options. These trips include rides to the doctor, dentist, hospital, pharmacy, and any other places you get Medicaid services. These trips do NOT include ambulance trips.

How do I set up transportation?

Access2Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Access2Care toll-free at 1.844.572.8194 or schedule through the Access2Care (A2C) Member app. Download the app from your app store. Information is available in English and Spanish. Call Access2Care to get an interpreter. 7-1-1 TDD for Hearing-Impaired. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital.
Be ready with the following information:

1. Your name, Member ID number, and your full address on file or the phone number on file;
2. The address, zip code, and phone number where you want to be picked up, this must match your address on file;
3. The name, address, zip code, and phone number of the doctor or other in-network provider you will be seeing;
4. The date and time of the appointment;
5. If you use a wheelchair or other medical equipment;
6. The name of the caregiver/attendant, if applicable

Please be ready at least 90 minutes prior your appointment. Your transportation provider will arrive up to 90 minutes before your appointment to ensure you arrive at your appointment between 15 minutes and one hour prior to your appointment time.

Read more about Access2Care

For more information, read the STAR or CHIP Member Handbook.

Why Choose Community?

As a local nonprofit health plan, Community Health Choice gives you plenty of reasons to join our Community. From the benefits and special programs we offer to the way our Member Services team helps you make the most of them, Community is always working life forward for you and your family.

“Community Health Choice is always there to answer my questions and help me and my family with our medical needs. I truly appreciate and value their customer support and service.”
– Cecily
Member of Community Health Choice