Health Check Program

Health Check Program (EPSDT)

North Carolina expanded the federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program (which has been in existence since Medicaid began) to form the Health Check program in 1993. EPSDT serves as the standard for providing healthcare to Medicaid recipients under the age of 21. The purpose of the Health Check program is to facilitate regular preventive medical care and the diagnosis and treatment of any health problem found during a screening. There is no separate enrollment in Health Check. If someone is eligible for Medicaid and is under the age of 21, they automatically receive Health Check services.

Health Check strategies implemented Statewide include:

Changes in state program administration to help integrate policies and procedures so both financing and service delivery objectives are compatible among State agencies.
Changes in local administration to improve coordination among local agencies, improve outreach to families and providers, and to assist families in obtaining needed health services.
Implementation of a statewide outreach campaign and toll-free hotline to educate parents about the availability of services and the importance of regular care.
Design and implementation of an automated information and notification system to provide families, caregivers and Health Check Coordinators with information regarding program participation.
Expansion of coverage for special services.

An integral part of the Health Check program is a special initiative called the Health Check Outreach Project. Sixty counties participate in this outreach effort by having specially trained Health Check Coordinators work to reduce barriers and improve access to preventive health services.

The Health Check Automated Information and Notification System (AINS) is a computerized system for identifying and following Medicaid- eligible children (birth through 20 years of age) with regard to their activities in the healthcare system. It enables Health Check coordinators across the state to determine which Medicaid-eligible children in their respective counties are receiving regular and periodic Health Check screenings, immunizations, and referrals for special healthcare problems. The system sends notices to the parents of Medicaid-eligible children, notifying them of the Health Check Program, scheduled screening appointments, missed appointments, immunizations and available programs and services.

Access to and utilization of healthcare services for Medicaid eligible children and youth have improved since the initiation of this very important program.