Public Health and Environment Division
Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT)
The Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program is the child health component of Medicaid. It is required in every state and is designed to improve the health of low-income children by enhancing access and appropriate utilization of primary and preventive health care for Medicaid-eligible families and children. EPSDT is designed to address physical, mental, and developmental health needs.
Eligibility
EPSDT is available for pregnant women of all ages and children, ages newborn up to 21 years of age who are enrolled in Medicaid.
Health Screenings
Health check-ups are important because they help can help to identify health problems early so that treatment can be started early. Some health problems can become a lifetime illness if not treated early.
Medicaid will pay for these health check-ups at no cost, and if a problem is found that is not covered by Medicaid, the EPSDT Coordinator will help find a program which will provide treatment at little or no cost.
EPSDT is designed to detect and treat health problems early through health check-ups to include the following:
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Health history of your child's growth, eating, and past illnesses,
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A "head-to-toe" examination of your child,
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A screening of your child's development,
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Urine and blood tests as needed, including blood lead testing,
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Immunizations,
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Other tests or examinations as needed, and
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Regular medical, dental, vision, hearing checkups and other medical screenings as needed.
Recommended number of check-ups by age:
| Age | Number of Check-ups |
| Birth-1 year | 6-8 per year |
| 1-2 years | 2-3 per year |
| 3-6 years | 1 per year |
| 7-20 years | 1 every 1 to 2 years |
Dental and Vision Benefits Available through EPSDT
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Dental exams and treatments
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Dental cleanings every 6 months
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Dental education to keep teeth clean and healthy (dental braces and retainers are not covered unless there is severe handicapped malocclusion)
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Vision examinations and glasses
The EPSDT Program offers outreach and case management services if you are pregnant or have children under 20.
The Outreach Coordinator can also help you get the most out of your Medicaid benefits by:
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Finding doctors, specialists, and schedule appointments.
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Arrange other medical needs for your family, including prenatal care.
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Find a dentist and eye doctor for those under 21 years of age.
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Find transportation to doctors appointments.
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Explain benefits covered by Medicaid and your managed care plan.
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Link you with community resources and provide referrals to places in the community such as HeadStart, Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC), Health Care Program for Kids with Special Needs (HCP), food banks, etc.
For more information, please contact the EPSDT Coordinator at 720.887.2200 or visit the Health and Human Services Department, Public Health and Environment Division as 6 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020. Additional information about EPSDT is available in the Public Health Frequently Asked Questions.