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This fall, Bexar and surrounding counties will see a big shift in health plan providers for seniors and adults with disabilities. Here’s 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 one of Medicaid’s largest programs for this vulnerable population, who usually require specialized medical care and support services. A critical transition in 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 1, 2024.
Why does the health plan you choose matter?
Each health plan has a different network of doctors and specialists, value-added services (extra benefits), and home and community-based support providers. Community First Health Plans is the only local health plan option for residents of Bexar County and the seven surrounding counties.
“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,” Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski, Community First President and CEO said. “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.”
Community First Health Plans can answer questions and assist STAR+PLUS members during this transition. Here’s what you need to know:
- What is STAR+PLUS?
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.
- Why will some people who have STAR+PLUS need to change health plans?
Several large health plans that currently offer STAR+PLUS to residents of Bexar County and surrounding areas will no longer provide coverage beginning Sept. 1. You will be notified if you need to select a new plan.
- When is the deadline to select a new STAR+PLUS health plan?
July 1, 2024. If you don’t choose a new plan, one will be chosen for you.
- When will coverage under your new plan begin?
September 1, 2024
- Is there an in-person office where you can receive help?
Yes. 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.
- Do health plans offer different value-added services?
Yes. Community First offers STAR+PLUS members extra benefits called value-added services. These include:*
- 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
- Mask with aerosol chamber and more products for members with asthma
- Allowance for seat attachment that fits on a walker
- Enhanced vision services, including up to $125 for frames or $75 for contact lenses
- 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
- Baby shower, baby items and gift card rewards for pregnant members
- Prescription Savings Card for uninsured family members
- Zumba classes for members and their families with fitness giveaways
*Effective September 1, 2024. Eligibility requirements apply.
If you have STAR+PLUS, you should:
- Check your mail for information from Health and Human Services and respond right away.
- Visit CommunityFirstSTARPLUS.com for updates or call 1-844-382-2347 for help in English or Spanish.
- Report any changes to your phone number or address by calling 2-1-1 or online at YourTexasBenefits.com.
