Life with children is full of surprises. Whether you’re finding a hippopotamus at the top of the wish list for Santa, realizing that they are in fact tall enough to reach the cookie jar or dealing with a junior scientist’s messy experiment, the only thing you can expect is the unexpected. As parents, we strive to create a safe and healthy environment for our kids, but sometimes despite our best efforts things don’t go according to plan. Life may be unpredictable, but you can count on Priority Health to have your back. Here’s what you can do to help with the health surprises that parenthood brings.

Be prepared

No one likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, but preparation can make a significant difference in how you handle health emergencies. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home and in your car, so you have supplies handy wherever you are. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures and consider taking a CPR course. Having a list of emergency contacts including your pediatrician, local urgent care and poison control can save precious time when dealing with an asthma attack, a broken bone or potential stitches. Don’t have a pediatrician? Use the Find a Doctor tool at PriorityHealth.com to find one of the many in-network doctors near you.

Can’t get to a doctor? Priority Health members can also get care when and where they need it with virtual urgent care. Colds, flu, ear pain, insect bites, pink eye, rashes and other non-emergency conditions can be evaluated from the comfort of home. Especially during holiday travel, where you may not be as familiar with the treatment centers in the area or want to avoid a busy waiting room, virtual care can be a great option.

Focus on prevention

While you can’t prevent every health issue, taking proactive steps can reduce the likelihood of some problems. Ensure your child practices good hygiene, follows a healthy diet and exercise regimen and has regular check-ups with their doctor. Routine preventive care helps your child stay up to date with vaccinations and keeps small symptoms from becoming big problems. That’s why preventive care is $0 with Priority Health, keeping your little one healthy before issues arise. And if your child has a chronic health condition like asthma or diabetes, finding out sooner helps keep it treatable. Priority Health offers support for chronic condition management before deductible, so you can worry about opening presents instead of opening bills over the holidays.

Trust your instincts

Preparation and prevention are important, but accidents and illness still happen, and it can be hard to know what separates a boo-boo from an emergency. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, talk to a medical provider for direction.

Emergencies can be more than just physical. If you’re worried about your child’s emotional well-being, Priority Health offers on-demand mental health support for children ages 13 and up, to assist with depression, anxiety and other adolescent mental health issues.

Unexpected health issues are an inevitable part of parenting. By being prepared, focusing on prevention and trusting your instincts you can navigate these challenges more effectively and ensure the best care for your child.

Cover what you can

Having quality health coverage also makes it easier to take on whatever trials may come your way. Priority Health plans come with $0 preventive care, 24/7 virtual urgent care, on-demand mental health support and chronic condition management to make caring for your family as easy as possible.

If you’re wondering which plan is right for you, Priority Health’s enrollment specialists are happy to answer questions, review plan details or help you find more information. Just call 833.351.2482, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Don’t forget these important health coverage dates:

  • Dec. 15, 2024: The last day you can enroll for coverage that will begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Jan. 15, 2025: The last day you can enroll for coverage for 2025, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. If you enroll between Dec. 16, 2024, and Jan. 15, 2025, your coverage will begin on Feb. 1, 2025.

Priority Health is a nationally recognized nonprofit health benefits company focused on improving the health and lives of members across Michigan. Part of the Corewell Health nonprofit health system, Priority Health is recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation.