Albuquerque Public Schools will host its free “Back to School & Wellness Fair!” on August 13. It will run from 4-7 p.m at the APS City Center. The district invites the entire community, including those not affiliated with APS, to attend.
Many activities and opportunities await attendees. The event will offer on-site Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), LIHEAP (energy assistance), and TANF (cash assistance). Staff will also provide bilingual assistance and help attendees complete recertifications.
Organizers will also give away free school supply backpacks. Each school-age child may receive one backpack while supplies last, but students must be present.
A state insurance broker will offer on-site Medicare enrollment and educational assistance. Meanwhile, Dion’s Pizza will provide one free slice per person while supplies last.
Additionally, BEWELLNM representatives will share information about financial assistance and affordable health insurance options. Non-citizens will receive information on healthcare assistance.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Care Van will also provide free childhood immunizations, including measles, meningitis, Menveo, Tdap, and Covid-19 immunizations. The team will also offer free medical screenings, including blood pressure, pulse, oxygen, blood glucose, cholesterol, A1C, and more.
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Presbyterian, United, Molina, and local healthcare providers and organizations will be available throughout the event. They will answer questions and assist families and staff.
A Medicare specialist will answer questions about Medicare coverage options and assist eligible attendees with on-site enrollment, if needed. Representatives will also share information about healthcare services available to non-citizens.
On-Site Medicaid Enrollment
Healthcare enrollment experts will be on-site to help families and individuals enroll in Medicaid. They will answer questions and provide emergency cards to adults and children, subject to certain conditions.
APS said enrollment can take less than an hour at the event. The district highly encourages all APS families and staff to attend if they are still uninsured and/or struggling financially. Medicaid can also be used as secondary insurance.
“Hope to see you there! Again, ALL are welcome, even those from the surrounding neighborhood or anywhere. You DO NOT have to be an APS student or APS family or staff member to attend! Security will be on site,” APS said in a recent news release.
Attendees should bring the required documents to speed up on-site Medicaid enrollment. These include:
- Proof of citizenship
- Immigration status or tribal enrollment
- A photo ID
- Proof of residency
- Proof of all household income, including benefits (for the past month)
- Current insurance information and/or recent unpaid medical bills
Non-citizens may also qualify. Those seeking recertification only need to bring updated proof of income and a photo ID. Organizers encourage applicants to bring all required documents because doing so may expedite enrollment process.
“Because health-related issues can be barriers to learning, APS is working on ways for students and families to be healthier,” said Brian Bolding, Medicaid enrollment coordinator in the APS Student, Family, and Community Supports Division. “We at APS believe that a healthier student is a more successful student.”
