The Basics of Going Back to School

Whether your child is heading to pre-school, high school or college, this time of year is all about helping them start on the right foot. But with long back-to-school checklists, it can be tricky finding ways to get everything done on time—especially when it comes to ensuring your child starts the year healthy and strong.

Here are some tips to get started.

Before school
Doctors' offices usually schedule for at least several weeks out. This makes summer the perfect opportunity to plan ahead for yearly checkups and sports physicals. Make a list of questions you might have for your family doctor beforehand to help get the most from each visit.

Back-to-school budgeting
Basic budgeting can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth transition into the school year. Start by considering what your child’s needs are, set a realistic budget and don’t forget to take advantage of back-to-school sales this season. Save yourself from unnecessary spending by taking stock of the supplies you already have before heading to the store. And remember, your Financial Dashboard helps keep track of your health care expenses so you can access key spending information in real time.

Pre-college checklist
Preparing your kids for college starts with specific medical requirements, like making sure they are up to date on all their vaccines. Take some time to do a little research and make sure that you both are aware of the mental and physical health resources available on campus and via telehealth services. Need a refresh on your benefits when it comes to preventive care? Check them out here.

Don’t forget about yourself
Adjusting to changes in the home and sending children off to college can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of your needs. The fepblue app is a great way to keep track of your benefits and access care for you and your family.