Child and Teen Checkups Information for Families

C&TC is a benefit for children in Minnesota who are eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). C&TC provides for a regular schedule of well-child checks 0-20 years of age that help children and youth stay healthy. These well-child checks look at your child’s growth, development and overall health. These "checkups" are meant to keep your child healthy by finding any health concerns or problems early. Finding health concerns early prevents them from becoming bigger problems later. Keeping your child healthy means they are more likely to grow into healthy adults.

Listen to this Inclusion Matters podcast to learn about the importance of health screening "well child checks" for young children.

For more information, to check your child's eligibility, or for help setting up an appointment, visit freechildcheckups.com (from Hennepin County C&TC) - They're healthy. You're happy. And it's free.

C&TC Appointments Include:

• Head-to-toe exam with immunizations and lab tests (as needed)
• Checks on development and growth and hearing and vision checks
• Information about good physical and mental health
• Time to ask questions and get answers about your child's health, behavior, and development and to talk about the child's learning, feelings, relationships, parenting and caregiver well-being
• Application of Fluoride Varnish to keep the teeth healthy
• Referral to the dentist or other providers (as needed)
  • Early dental checkups help keep teeth healthy, and ensure your child doesn't develop cavities or other tooth problems that require treatment
  • Visits to the dentist should begin as soon as a baby gets their first tooth, or no later than 12 months old and regular dental visits should continue every six months, or more often if your dentist recommends

How to Prepare for a C&TC Appointment

• If you have specific concerns or needs, please let the clinic know when scheduling the appointment so they can allow enough time for the visit.
• Write down questions you and your child have about their health, growth, development, behavior, or safety and share concerns early in the visit, so you have time to talk with your provider.
• Be sure to bring ANY forms you need filled out with you. Child and Teen Checkups meet the health requirements for Head Start, WIC, school, sports or child care.

Need help to find a doctor or dentist? Make an appointment? Find transportation? Find an interpreter?

• If you receive your health care through a health plan, call your health plan member services phone number, which is on the back of your member card.
• Call your county human services, public health or tribal health agency and talk to a C&TC staff person. Find their phone number on the Minnesota C&TC County and Tribe Contact List (PDF).
• For transportation under MinnesotaCare, call 800-657-3672 (toll-free) or 651-297-3862 (Twin Cities).

Resources for Families

• HelpMeConnect - local resources for families of children 0-8 years of age that covers 11 topics including, development, finding medical and dental care, housing and food resources. 
• Minnesota's Follow Along Program can help you track your child's development and let you know if your child is playing, talking, growing, moving, and behaving like other children
• Women, Infant and Children (WIC) - Minnesota WIC clinics provide food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referral services.
• freechildcheckups.com (from Hennepin County C&TC) - check your child's eligibility or for help setting up an appointment
• Well Visit Planner - an interactive planner to help you plan your well child visit (not specific to C&TC)
• Vaccines for Infants, Children, and Adolescents – information for families on who needs vaccines and when, immunization forms and MN immunization laws
• Child Development from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - information on child development and positive parenting tips
• HealthyChildren.org - information for families from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including symptom checker and mobile phone app
• Help Me Grow - information about child development, including milestones and videos
• Child Care Aware - information on choosing and finding quality child care in Minnesota
• Zero to Three - information about development and activities for your child