Scotts Valley, Calif., June 13, 2023 – Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance), the Medi-Cal managed health care plan for residents of Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, is encouraging parents to add checkups to their kids’ summer checklist so they’re ready for the new school year.

Checkups are an important part of back-to-school preparation, ensuring children get the screenings and vaccines they need to start the school year strong. In addition, if children are starting transitional kindergarten, kindergarten or 7^th grade, schools require that those students receive certain vaccines before they can attend school.

“Checkups are a critical time for your child’s pediatrician to make sure developmental and health milestones are being met,” said Alliance Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dale Bishop. “If there are any health concerns, your child’s doctor will want to address those early. Your child should have a checkup at least once a year, even when your child isn’t sick. Checkups are also an opportunity for parents to ask any questions they may have about their child’s health and development.”

To help spread awareness, the Alliance launched a media campaign to remind parents that now is the time to ensure children are up to date with their vaccines and checkups in time for the new school year. Since summer goes by fast and doctor appointments can fill up quickly, parents are encouraged to call their child’s pediatrician right away to schedule a checkup. For more information on checkups for children and teens, visit www.thealliance.health/checkups. Medi-Cal recipients who are Alliance members may be able earn a Target gift card for getting a checkup. The Alliance’s Healthy Start program rewards members ages 0-21 for keeping current with vaccines and checkups. Members can learn more at www.thealliance.health/healthystart.

About Central California Alliance for Health

Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance) is a regional Medi-Cal managed care health plan, established in 1996 to improve access to health care for over 420,000 members in Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Using the state’s County Organized Health System (COHS) model, the Alliance delivers innovative community-based health care services by connecting members with providers that deliver timely services and care, focused on prevention, early detection and effective treatment. As an award-winning managed care health plan with a vision of “healthy people, healthy communities,” the Alliance remains focused on efforts to improve access to quality health care for its members. For more information, visit www.thealliance.health.

Contact:
Linda Gorman
(831) 236-0261
lgorman@ccah-alliance.org