This lesson will help you understand what “medical complexity” means and introduce you to people who can help you with your child's care. You'll learn about your child’s needs, the many kinds of help available, and how to work with a team that helps you and your family. With this knowledge, you can feel more ready, connected, and confident in caring for your child.
You’ll learn:
- What “medical complexity” means and how it affects your child’s health, daily life, and care needs.
- What kinds of support children with medical complexity often need, like medical, emotional, and developmental.
- Who helps take care of your child, like doctors, nurses, therapists, home health aides, and other families.
- Who helps your family get care and services like Family Facilitators, Pediatric Coaches, and your child's managed care organization (MCO).
- What each care team member does and how they support your child and family.
- Where to get help, what questions to ask, and how to find programs and services near you.
Figuring out health care can feel confusing, but with the right information, you can feel more confident getting the care your child needs. This guide will explain the basics of how the Medicaid system works, how to apply for and use your child's health coverage, and how to talk with doctors and other care providers.
By the end of this guide, you will:
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Understand how the Medicaid program health care system works for your child
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Learn what different health care providers do and when to ask them for help
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Feel more confident understanding, applying for, and using your child's Medicaid benefits
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Review ways to talk with doctors, pharmacists, and Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) for your child
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Find helpful resources to keep learning and speaking up for your child’s health needs
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make good choices and feel more in control of your child’s health care. Let’s get started!
