Keeping Kids Healthy
An overview of Medicaid for Children
New Mexico Medicaid provides a broad array of health services for children under a federal Medicaid policy which requires that children receive EPSDT.This policy includes preventive health services, maintenance health services to ameliorate a condition or prevent worsening, and treatment of medical conditions.It also includes a complete range of mental health services - sometimes called behavioral health services - which include treatment for alcohol and substance abuse
Specific benefits available for children through NM Medicaid are:
Primary care visits: Children may go to a doctor, a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant for a well-child exam.They do not need to have a specific complaint to be seen. NM Medicaid encourages the following schedule of well-child exams:
- Infancy - 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 & 12 Months of Age
- Early Childhood - 12, 15, 18, 24 Months & 3 Years of Age
- Middle Childhood - 4, 5, 6, 8, & 10 Years of Age
- Adolescence - Every Year from 12 - 20 Years
Well Child Checkups - Preventive Health Guidelines
Many primary care providers throughout New Mexico accept children covered by Medicaid. These providers may work in private practice, at a rural health clinic or a federally qualified health center.
Other benefits available to children:
- Early intervention for developmental delays
- Hospital services Vision and hearing services
- Dental care Physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Laboratory tests X-rays and other imaging tests Pharmacy services (including some over-the-counter medicines)
- Medical supplies Prosthetics and orthotics
- Nutrition consultations
- Reproductive health care Home health and personal care
- Case management Outpatient mental health testing and counseling
- Psychiatric hospital services Residential treatment Treatment foster care