Back-to-School & School-Based Outreach

During the school year, there are a variety of ways to let parents and caregivers know that their children and teens may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). With health insurance, they can get the immunizations, check-ups, eye exams, dental visits and other care they may need to fully participate in classroom, after-school and summer activities. Schools are great partners to help reach and enroll families with children who are eligible for Medicaid and CHIP.

When doing outreach for the 2022 Back-to-School season it is also important to emphasize the need for families to update their address with their state Medicaid office. CMS created an Unwinding homepage with tools and resources. On this page, you can find the Communications Toolkit and Communications Toolkit Graphics to help partners reach out to Medicaid and CHIP enrollees so that they are prepared for upcoming renewals, along with several other Unwinding resources. The Campaign has also created a 2022 Back-to-School Toolkit and 2022 Back-to-School Toolkit Graphics to highlight Unwinding messaging.

Back-to-School & School-Based Outreach Materials

The Campaign has outreach tools and materials to support school-based outreach efforts. Below are outreach materials specifically tailored for Back-to-School and other school-based outreach. You can learn about how others have used these and other campaign materials in our eNewsletters, webinars, and videos.

Campaign materials—including tools for other initiatives—can be found in the Outreach Tool Library.

Back-to-School Toolkit

Use this go-to resource to cultivate relationships with school staff and to partner with schools on activities to get kids covered and keep them covered.

2023 Back-to-School Toolkit

School-Based Outreach and Enrollment Toolkit

Tips & Ideas

These tips and ideas can help in planning out school-based outreach activities.

10 Things Schools Can Do (Young Boy)

10 Things Schools Can Do (Teens)

Palmcards

Download or request this palmcard—available in different languages—to help with your Back-to-School outreach initiative. Read our Customization Guide for details and instructions on how the palmcard can be customized for your organization!

"School Bus" Palmcard (CMS Product Number 11667)

Posters

Download or request this poster—available in different languages—to help with your Back-to-School outreach initiative. Read our Customization Guide for details and instructions on how the poster can be customized for your organization!

"School Bus" Poster (CMS Product Number 11668)

Digital Videos

These short videos have been created to remind parents and caregivers about key benefits available through Medicaid and CHIP! Use these videos on social media, post on websites, digital signage and more!

Please Note: These particular digital videos below have unlimited talent rights and can be used in outreach indefinitely, but only as produced by CMS.

"School-Based Outreach":15 Seconds

Webinars

Gearing Up to Learn with Medicaid and CHIP (7/24/24)

Social Media Messages

Use these messages in your Facebook posts, Tweets, or other messaging forums to help us spread the word! Be sure to check out our Step-By-Step Guide to Social Sharing Guide for tips on how to post our graphics on your social media accounts.

Sample Back-to-School Social Media Posts in English and Spanish

Facebook Images

These specially-designed images are the best size to use on Facebook. Download and share them on your account to help us spread the word!

Twitter Images

These specially-designed images are the best size to use on Twitter. Download and tweet these to your followers on your account to help us spread the word.

Web Banners & Buttons

Use web banners and buttons to link online traffic to HealthCare.gov where visitors can find more information about their states' programs. Each .zip folder includes three standard web banner and button sizes, as well as posting instructions. Place these banners and buttons on your website!

Infographics

Share this infographic to show the connection between health and academic performance.

Newsletter & Article Templates

Use these templates to create your own newsletter or articles in existing newsletters.

"Back-to-School" Newsletter Template

"Back-to-School" Ready-Made Article

Public Service Announcement (PSA) Scripts

You can use these radio public service announcements (PSAs) to further your outreach efforts and help spread the word about Medicaid and CHIP. Be sure to read our 10 Tips for Putting Public Service Announcements to Work to help increase the effectiveness of your campaigns!

Email Signature Image

Add this images as your email signature to spread the word about Medicaid and CHIP around the Back-to-School season. We’ve created a Guide to walk through the steps.