STAR+PLUS program changes happening this summer.
By Community First Health Plans — This fall, Bexar County will see a big shift in health plan providers for seniors and adults with disabilities. Here is what you need to know.
Many seniors and adults with disabilities enrolled in Medicaid’s STAR+PLUS program will need to select a new health plan. STAR+PLUS is a Medicaid managed care program for health care and long-term care services for adults who have disabilities or are age 65 or older. STAR+PLUS is one of Medicaid’s largest programs for this population, who usually require specialized medical care and support services. A critical transition in STAR+PLUS coverage is underway as some health plans are leaving the Bexar County area. STAR+PLUS members will be notified if they need to choose a new plan. The deadline to choose a new plan is July 1st.
The health plan you choose matters. Each health plan has a different network of doctors and specialists, home and community-based support providers, and value-added services (extra benefits). Community First Health Plans is the only local health plan option for residents of Bexar County and the seven surrounding counties and offers members the following extra benefits: in-home respite care, gift card rewards, diabetes prevention and weight loss programs with complimentary YMCA memberships, foot care and insulated cooler bag for members with diabetes, a mask with aerosol chamber and more products for members with asthma, an allowance for seat attachment that fits on a walker, extra vision services, low-cost dental services to include no-cost dental exams, x-rays, and up to 50% off orthodontic services for members and their uninsured family members, home-delivered prepared meals after a hospital stay, gift card rewards and baby items for pregnant members, a prescription savings card for uninsured family members, Zumba classes for members and their families with fitness giveaways, and more. (*Effective September 1, 2024. Eligibility requirements apply.)
“After nearly 30 years of providing fellow citizens of South Texas with much-needed health coverage, we are eager to expand our footprint once again and offer our services to STAR+PLUS Members,” says Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski, Community First President & CEO. “We hope to close gaps in health care for these Members by anticipating their unique health needs and meeting those needs through experience and compassion, and by putting the Members first, helping them to meet their health goals and maintain their independence.”
Only some people who have STAR+PLUS will need to change their health plans. This is because several large health plans that currently offer STAR+PLUS to residents of Bexar County and surrounding areas will no longer provide coverage beginning September 1.You will be notified if you need to select a new plan.
If you have STAR+PLUS, you should check your mail for information from Health and Human Services and respond right away and report any changes to your phone number or address by calling 2-1-1 or online at YourTexasBenefits.com. The deadline to select a new STAR+PLUS health plan is July 1, 2024. If you do not choose a new plan, one will be chosen for you. Coverage under your new plan will begin September 1, 2024.
Community First Health Plans can answer questions and assist STAR+PLUS members during this transition. If you need help understanding your options, in-person support is available in English and Spanish at the Avenida Guadalupe Community Office located at 1410 Guadalupe Street, Suite 222, San Antonio, TX. Visit CommunityFirstSTARPLUS.com for updates or call 1-844-382-2347 for help in English or Spanish.
