When a child is in care, DFCS is legally responsible for determining the nature of care and treatment for the child, including routine medical and dental care. DFCS must approve and sign all consents for medical and dental treatment. 

During pre-placement planning and at the time of placement, the child’s case manager will provide you with information about the child’s physical and mental health. In certain instances, this information is not readily available and, thus, will not be available for you at the time of the child’s placement. If this is a child’s initial placement, his or her case manager or CCFA provider will arrange for a health check within 10 days of the child coming into care. Your case manager will always provide you with information regarding the child’s physical and mental health as soon as it becomes available. 

As a foster parent, you are required to work collaboratively with your case manager to ensure that the child in your care receives a physical examination at least once a year in addition to all Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) consistent with the recommendations for preventive pediatric health care. 

Children covered under Medicaid are automatically enrolled in the Health Check program. Children who are not Medicaid eligible will receive their routine health screenings from a private health care provider. You will receive the child’s Medicaid card at the beginning of each month. The agency will provide you with a list of service providers in your area who accept Medicaid. You may also request a current list of Medicaid providers from your case manager. 

Since you will be providing the day-to-day care for the child in your home, it is recommended that you accompany the child to all his or her health examinations and any necessary treatments. Your case manager will provide you with any information needed by the doctor or another healthcare provider. It is important that you keep the child’s case manager informed of all information you receive, verbal or in writing, from the child’s doctor or medical provider. 

Please keep your case manager informed of all illnesses and health issues of the child in your care. In case of serious illness, immediately take the child to the emergency room if you cannot reach his or her physician for instructions. As soon as possible, notify your case manager about the child’s condition. If hospitalization is necessary, the agency is responsible for providing the necessary authorizations. 

Most children in placement are Medicaid eligible and will be covered for in-patient hospital care. For those who are not, payment of in-patient hospital costs will be covered with state and county resources. Because these funds are limited, it is vital to obtain services from facilities that provide them at free or reduced costs, such as Grady Memorial Hospital, Talmadge Memorial Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite/Egleston Hospitals), regional mental health hospitals, and Children’s Medical Services. Whenever possible, the local health department is used to provide health screenings, immunizations, and other procedures such as skin tests or X-rays for tuberculosis. If you receive any medical bills not covered by Medicaid for a child’s examination, treatment, or prescription medications, attach them to your monthly invoice.