STAR MEMBER HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 DECEMBER 2016 STAR MEMBER HANDBOOK Your STAR Benefits (TTY 711) TS-MHB

2 WELCOME! Thank you for choosing Dell Children s Health Plan as your STAR health plan. It is our goal with your help to make sure you get the best medical care available. We want to help you be as healthy as possible. As a Dell Children s Health Plan STAR member, you can pick your own doctor or clinic from the Dell Children s Health Plan network. The doctor or clinic you pick will be your primary care provider. You can pick a Seton STAR primary care provider that you have used before, or one that is close to your home. If you wish, Dell Children s Health Plan can help you pick a primary care provider. Dell Children s Health Plan is part of the Seton Healthcare Family, a leading provider of health care services in central Texas. When you pick Dell Children s Health Plan as your STAR health plan, you can use the whole Seton network. Dell Children s Health Plan is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) that is a part of the Seton Healthcare Family. The Seton Healthcare Family includes the following: Seton Healthcare Family: Seton Medical Center Austin Seton Medical Center Williamson Dell Children s Medical Center of Central Texas Seton Northwest Hospital Seton Southwest Hospital Seton Medical Center Hays Seton Highland Lakes Hospital Seton Edgar B. Davis Hospital Seton Shoal Creek Hospital University Medical Center at Brackenridge Seton Smithville Regional Hospital Seton Family Outpatient Centers: Seton Pflugerville Outpatient Center Seton Medical Center Williamson/ Pediatric Therapy Center Seton Healthcare Network Clinics: Seton McCarthy Clinic Seton Marble Falls Seton Kozmetsky Clinic Seton Lockhart Family Health Center Seton Luling Family Medicine Clinic Seton Topfer Clinic Seton Burnet Healthcare Center Affliates of Seton Healthcare Family: Strictly Pediatrics Surgery Center Northwest Surgery Center Hill Country Surgery Center Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital It is important that you read this member handbook. It will tell you how to get medical help when you need it. It will also tell you about Dell Children s Health Plan and the STAR program. You can ask for the member handbook in audio, in larger print, or in Braille. You can also get it in a language other than English or Spanish. If you still have questions after you read the handbook, call Member Services at (TTY 711). Their offce hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dell Children s Health Plan Member Services phone number: (TTY 711) Dell Children s Health Plan website: dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members Part of the Seton Healthcare Family, dedicated to providing exceptional care with a human touch.

3 STAR Member Handbook Your STAR Benefits (TTY 711) Dell Children s Health Plan December 2016 TS-MHB

4 Welcome! Thank you for choosing Dell Children s Health Plan as your STAR health plan. It is our goal with your help to make sure you get the best medical care available. We want to help you be as healthy as possible. As a Dell Children s Health Plan STAR member, you can pick your own doctor or clinic from the Dell Children s Health Plan network. The doctor or clinic you pick will be your primary care provider. You can pick a Seton STAR primary care provider that you have used before, or one that is close to your home. If you wish, Dell Children s Health Plan can help you pick a primary care provider. Dell Children s Health Plan is part of the Seton Healthcare Family, a leading provider of healthcare services in central Texas. When you pick Dell Children s Health Plan as your STAR health plan, you can use the whole Seton network. Dell Children s Health Plan is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) that is a part of the Seton Healthcare Family. The Seton Healthcare Family includes the following: Seton Healthcare Family: Seton Medical Center Austin Seton Medical Center Williamson Dell Children s Medical Center of Central Texas Seton Northwest Hospital Seton Southwest Hospital Seton Medical Center Hays Seton Highland Lakes Hospital Seton Edgar B. Davis Hospital Seton Shoal Creek Hospital University Medical Center at Brackenridge Seton Smithville Regional Hospital Seton Family Outpatient Centers: Seton Pflugerville Outpatient Center Seton Medical Center Williamson/ Pediatric Therapy Center Seton Healthcare Network Clinics: Seton McCarthy Clinic Seton Marble Falls Seton Kozmetsky Clinic Seton Lockhart Family Health Center Seton Luling Family Medicine Clinic Seton Topfer Clinic Seton Burnet Healthcare Center

5 Affiliates of Seton Healthcare Family: Strictly Pediatrics Surgery Center Northwest Surgery Center Hill Country Surgery Center Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital It is important that you read this Member Handbook. It will tell you how to get medical help when you need it. It will also tell you about Dell Children s Health Plan and the STAR program. You can ask for the Member Handbook in audio, in larger print, or in Braille. You can also get it in a language other than English or Spanish. If you still have questions after you read the Handbook, call Member Services at (TTY 711). Their office hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dell Children s Health Plan Member Services phone number: (TTY 711) Dell Children s Health Plan website: dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members Part of the Seton Healthcare Family, dedicated to providing exceptional care with a human touch.

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...11 TELEPHONE NUMBERS...12 What if you need to call someone in Dell Children s Health Plan?...12 Other important Dell Children s Health Plan numbers:...13 STAR MEMBER ID CARDS...13 Sample ID Card...14 How to use it...14 How to read the Dell Children s Health Plan STAR identification (ID) card...14 What if I lose my Dell Children s Health Plan STAR ID Card?...14 YOUR TEXAS BENEFITS MEDICAID CARD...15 Temporary card...16 CHANGING HEALTH PLANS...16 What if I want to change health plans?...16 Who do I call?...16 How many times can I change health plans?...16 When will my health plan change become effective?...16 Can Dell Children s Health Plan ask that I get dropped from their health plan?...16 Get Your Kids on One Plan...17 MOVING?...17 What do I have to do if I move?...17 What happens if I lose my Medicaid coverage?...17 Recertify your Medicaid benefits on time...17 What do I have to do if I need help with completing my renewal application?...17 STAR VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS...18 What extra benefits does a member of Dell Children s Health Plan get? How can I get these benefits?...18 Pregnant?...19 What health education classes does Dell Children s Health Plan offer?...19 What Are My Health-Care Benefits?...19 How do I get these services?...21 Are there any limits to any covered services?...21

7 What if Dell Children s Health Plan doesn t have a provider for one of my covered benefits?...21 What services are not covered?...21 What other services can Dell Children s Health Plan help me get?...22 HEALTH CARE AND OTHER SERVICES FOR STAR MEMBERS...23 What does medically necessary mean?...23 How is new technology evaluated?...24 What is routine medical care?...24 How soon can I expect to be seen?...24 What is urgent medical care?...24 What should I do if my child or I need urgent medical care?...24 How soon can I expect to be seen?...25 What is emergency medical care?...25 Emergency medical care...25 How soon can I expect to be seen?...25 Are emergency dental services covered by the health plan?...25 What do I do if my child needs emergency dental care?...26 How soon can I see my doctor?...26 What is post-stabilization?...26 How do I get medical care after my primary care provider s office is closed?...27 What if I get sick when I am out of town or traveling?...27 What if I am out of the state?...27 What if I am out of the country?...27 PRESCRIPTIONS...27 What are my prescription drug benefits?...27 How do I get my medications?...27 How do I find a network drugstore?...27 What if I go to a drugstore not in the network?...27 What do I bring with me to the drugstore?...28 What if I need my medications delivered to me?...28 Who do I call if I have problems getting my medications?...28 What if I can t get the medication my doctor ordered approved?...28 What if I lose my medication(s)?...28

8 How do I find out what drugs are covered?...28 How do I transfer my prescriptions to a network pharmacy?...28 Will I have a copay?...28 What if I paid out of pocket for a medicine and want to be reimbursed?...29 What if I need durable medical equipment or other products normally found in a pharmacy?...29 Other Services...29 EYE CARE SERVICES...29 How do I get eye care services?...29 DENTAL SERVICES...29 What dental services does Dell Children s Health Plan cover for children?...29 BEHAVIORAL (MENTAL) HEALTH...30 How do I get help if I have or my child has mental health, alcohol or drug problems?...30 Do I need a referral for this?...30 What to do in a behavioral health emergency...30 What to do if you or your child are already in treatment...30 What are mental health rehabilitation services (MHR) and mental health targeted case management (TCM)?...31 How do I get these services?...31 SPECIAL HEALTH-CARE NEEDS...31 Who do I call if I have special health-care needs and need someone to help me?...31 CASE MANAGEMENT...31 What is Complex Case Management?...31 How do I get these services?...31 What Is Case Management For Children And Pregnant Women (CPW)?...31 Case Management for children and pregnant women...31 Who can get a case manager?...32 What do case managers do?...32 What kind of help can you get?...32 How can you get a case manager?...32 What is a Member with Special Health Care Needs (MSHCN)?...32 What is Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)?...32 Do I need a referral for this?...33

9 Where do I find an ECI provider?...33 DISEASE MANAGEMENT...33 Dell Children s Health Plan INTERPRETER SERVICES...34 Can someone interpret for me when I talk with my doctor?...34 Who do I call for an interpreter?...34 How far in advance do I need to call?...34 How can I get a face-to-face interpreter in the provider s office?...34 Migrant farmworker...35 What if I am a migrant farmworker?...35 What is HHSC s MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM (MTP)?...35 What is MTP?...35 What services are offered by MTP?...35 How to get a ride?...35 What if I can t be transported by taxi, van, or other standard Medical Transportation Program vehicles to get to health-care appointments?...35 Extra help getting a ride:...36 Texas Health Steps...36 What Is Texas Health Steps?...36 What services are offered by Texas Health Steps?...36 Does my doctor have to be a part of the Dell Children s Health Plan network?...37 How do I make my child s appointment for a Texas Health Steps medical checkup?...37 Do I have to have a referral?...37 What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?...37 What if I am out of town and my child is due for a Texas Health Steps checkup?...37 What If I have moved and my child is due for a Texas Health Steps checkup?...37 How and when do I get Texas Health Steps medical and dental checkups for my child?...37 Adult Checkups...38 When should adults get checkups?...38 PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER...38 What is a primary care provider?...38 Can a specialist ever be considered a primary care provider?...39 Can a clinic be my primary care provider?...39

10 How can I change my primary care provider?...39 How many times can I change my/my child s primary care provider?...39 When will my primary care provider change become effective?...39 How do I make an appointment?...40 How do I get medical care after my primary care provider s office is closed?...40 What do I need to bring with me to my doctor s appointment?...40 How do I get medical care after my primary care provider s office Is closed?...40 Are there any reasons why my request to change a primary care provider may be denied?...40 Can my primary care provider move me to another primary care provider for noncompliance?...40 What if I choose to go to another doctor who is not my primary care provider?...40 What if I get a bill from my doctor?...41 Who do I call? What information will they need?...41 What is the Medicaid Lock-in Program?...41 Physician Incentive Plan...41 SPECIALISTS AND OTHER PROVIDERS...41 What if I need to see a special doctor (specialist)?...42 What is a referral?...42 What services do not need a referral?...42 How soon can I expect to be seen by a specialist?...42 How can I ask for a second opinion?...42 ACCESSING CARE FOR WOMEN...43 What if I need OB/GYN care?...43 Do I have the right to choose an OB/GYN? How do I choose an OB/GYN?...43 If I do not choose an OB/GYN, do I have direct access?...43 Will I need a referral?...43 How soon can I be seen after contacting my OB/GYN for an appointment?...43 Can I stay with my OB/GYN if they aren t with Dell Children s Health Plan?...43 What if I am pregnant?...43 Who do I need to call...43 Can I pick a primary care provider for my baby before the baby is born?...44 How do I sign up my newborn baby?...44 How and when do I tell my health plan?...44

11 How and when do I tell my caseworker?...44 How and when can I switch my baby s primary care provider?...44 Can I switch my baby s health plan?...44 What other services/activities/education does Dell Children s Health Plan STAR offer pregnant women?...44 Where can I find a list of birthing centers?...44 You can obtain extra services if you are pregnant...45 How can I receive health care after my baby is born (and I am no longer covered by Medicaid)?...45 Texas Women's Health Program...45 DSHS Primary Health Care Program...45 DSHS Expanded Primary Health Care Program...46 DSHS Family Planning Program...46 FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES...46 How do I get family planning services?...46 Do I need a referral for this?...47 Where do I find a family planning services provider?...47 YOur Rights...47 Privacy rights...47 MEDICAID AND PRIVATE INSURANCE...51 What if I have other health insurance in addition to Medicaid?...51 ADVANCE DIRECTIVES...51 What if I am too sick to make a decision about my medical care?...51 What are advance directives? How do I get an advance directive?...51 MEMBER RIGHTS...52 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES...53 QUALITY MANAGEMENT...54 What does quality management do for you?...54 What are clinical practice guidelines?...54 COMPLAINTS PROCESS...54 What should I do if I have a complaint? Who do I call?...54 Can someone from Dell Children s Health Plan help me file a complaint?...54 How long will it take to process my complaint?...55

12 What are the requirements and time frames for filing a complaint?...55 If I am not satisfied with the outcome of my complaint, can I file an appeal?...55 APPEALS PROCESS...55 What can I do if my doctor asks for a service for me that s covered but Dell Children s Health Plan denies or limits it?...55 How will I find out if services are denied?...56 What are the time frames for the appeals process?...56 How can I continue receiving my services that were already approved?...56 Can someone from Dell Children s Health Plan help me file an appeal?...57 Can members request a state fair hearing?...57 Expedited Appeals...57 What is an expedited appeal?...57 How do I ask for an expedited appeal? Does my request have to be in writing?...57 What are the time frames for an expedited appeal?...57 What happens if Dell Children s Health Plan denies the request for an expedited appeal?...57 Who can help me file an expedited appeal?...57 STATE FAIR HEARING...57 Can I ask for a state fair hearing?...57 FRAUD AND ABUSE...58 INFORMATION That must be available on an annual basis...59

13 INTRODUCTION Welcome to Dell Children s Health Plan. Thank you for choosing Dell Children s Health Plan as your STAR health plan. It is our goal with your help to make sure you get the best medical care available. We want to help you be as healthy as possible. As a Dell Children s Health Plan STAR member, you can pick your own doctor or clinic from the Dell Children s Health Plan network. The doctor or clinic you pick will be your primary care provider. You can pick a Dell Children s Health Plan primary care provider that you have used before or one that is close to your home. If you wish, Dell Children s Health Plan can help you pick a primary care provider. When you pick Dell Children s Health Plan as your STAR Health Plan, you can use the whole Dell Children s Health Plan network. To find doctors and hospitals in your area, visit dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members or contact Member Services at (TTY 711). Dell Children s Health Plan is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) that is a part of the Seton Healthcare Family. The Seton Healthcare Family includes the following: Seton Healthcare Family: Seton Medical Center Austin Seton Medical Center Williamson Dell Children s Medical Center of Central Texas Seton Northwest Hospital Seton Southwest Hospital Seton Medical Center Hays Seton Highland Lakes Hospital Seton Edgar B. Davis Hospital Seton Shoal Creek Hospital University Medical Center at Brackenridge Seton Smithville Regional Hospital Seton Healthcare Network Clinics: Seton McCarthy Clinic Seton Marble Falls Seton Kozmetsky Clinic Seton Lockhart Family Health Center Seton Topfer Clinic Seton Burnet Healthcare Center Seton Family Outpatient Centers: Seton Pflugerville Outpatient Center Seton Medical Center Williamson/Pediatric Therapy Center Affiliates of Seton Healthcare Family: Strictly Pediatrics Surgery Center Northwest Surgery Center Hill Country Surgery Center Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital It is important you read this member handbook. It will tell you how to get medical help when you need it. It will also tell you about Dell Children s Health Plan and the STAR program. You can ask for the member handbook in audio, in larger print or in Braille. You can also get it in a language other than English or Spanish. If you still have questions after you read the handbook, call Member Services at (TTY 711) Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time. Dell Children s Health Plan s website is: dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members 11

14 TELEPHONE NUMBERS What if you need to call someone in Dell Children s Health Plan? This page has some important numbers you will need to know. If you don t know which number to call, you can call Member Services at (TTY 711). The person who answers will be able to help you get covered services. If you have an emergency or crisis, you should call 911. Member Services Line: (TTY 711) If you have any questions about your Dell Children s Health Plan, you can call our Member Services department toll-free at (TTY 711). You can call us Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time, except for state-approved holidays. If you call after 6 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, you can leave a voice mail message. A Member Services representative will call you back the next business day. These are some of the things Member Services can help you with: This member handbook Member ID cards Your doctors Doctor appointments Transportation Health-care benefits Accessing services What to do in an emergency and/or crisis Well care Special kinds of health care Healthy living Complaints and medical appeals Rights and responsibilities For members who do not speak English, we are able to help in many different languages and dialects, including Spanish. You may also get an interpreter for visits with your doctor at no cost to you. Please let us know if you need an interpreter at least 24 hours before your appointment. Call Member Services for more information. For members who are deaf or hard of hearing, call (TTY 711). Dell Children s Health Plan will set up and pay for you to have a person who knows sign language help you during your doctor visits. Please let us know if you need an interpreter at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you have an emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away (see What is an Emergency Medical Care? section of this handbook). If you need advice, call your primary care provider or our 24-hour Nurse HelpLine 7 days a week at (TTY 711). For urgent care (see What is urgent medical care? section of this handbook), you should call your primary care provider, even on nights and weekends. Your primary care provider will tell you what to do. You can call Member Services to find an urgent care clinic and our 24-hour Nurse HelpLine 7 days a week at (TTY 711) for advice about urgent care. 24-hour nurse advice line: (TTY 711) Our 24-hour Nurse HelpLine nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your health-care questions. 12

15 Interpreter Services: (TTY 711) If you need someone who speaks other than English or Spanish, call Member Services. They can help you. Behavioral (mental) Health and Substance (drug) Abuse Hotline: (TTY 711) The Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse services line is available to members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (TTY 711). It is a free service in English or Spanish. For other languages, interpreter services are available. You can call the Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse services line for help in getting services. If you have an emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. Other important Dell Children s Health Plan numbers: Vision: Superior Vision of Texas: Dental: MCNA: DentaQuest: Other Numbers: Ombudsman Managed Care Assistance Team: STAR Program Helpline: Medical Transportation: (1-877-MED-TRIP) Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS): Texas Early Childhood Intervention Program: Texas Health Steps: STAR MEMBER ID CARDS If you do not have your Dell Children s Health Plan ID card yet, you will get it soon. Please carry it with you at all times. Show it to any doctor or hospital you visit. You do not need to show your ID card before you get emergency care. The card tells doctors and hospitals you are a member of Dell Children s Health Plan and who your doctor is. It also tells them Dell Children s Health Plan will pay for the medically needed benefits covered by the STAR program. You may also print your ID card from our website at dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members. You will need to register and log in to the website to access your ID card information. 13

16 Sample ID Card How to use it Always carry the Dell Children s Health Plan STAR ID card with you. Show the card when you go to the doctor, a Dell Children s Health Plan clinic, or to the hospital. How to read the Dell Children s Health Plan STAR identification (ID) card Facts you will find on the card include: Identification that you are a member of Dell Children s Health Plan Member s name Name and phone number of the primary care provider Dell Children s Health Plan Member Services phone number Number to call for Behavioral Health services Number to call for Superior Vision of Texas Pharmacy Instructions on what to do in an emergency What if I lose my Dell Children s Health Plan STAR ID Card? If your ID card is lost or stolen, call us right away at (TTY 711). We will send you a new one. You may also print your ID card from our website at dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members. You will need to register and log in to the website to access your ID card information. NOTE: Be sure you have chosen a primary care provider. Online provider search You can search for a provider online at dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members. Need help? Call Member Services at (TTY 711). They can help you over the phone or mail you a list of providers. 14

17 YOUR TEXAS BENEFITS MEDICAID CARD When you are approved for Medicaid, you will get a Your Texas Benefits Medicaid Card. This plastic card will be your everyday Medicaid ID card. You should carry and protect it just like your driver s license or a credit card. The card has a magnetic strip that holds your Medicaid ID number. Your doctor can use the card to find out if you have Medicaid benefits when you go for a visit. You will only be issued one card and will only receive a new card in the event of the card being lost or stolen. If your Medicaid ID card is lost or stolen, you can get a new one by calling toll-free If you are not sure if you are covered by Medicaid, you can find out by calling toll-free at You can also call First pick a language and then pick option 2. Your health history is a list of medical services and drugs that you have gotten through Medicaid. We share it with Medicaid doctors to help them decide what health care you need. If you don t want your doctors to see your health history through the secure online network, call toll-free at The Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card has these facts printed on the front: Your name and Medicaid ID number. The date the card was sent to you. The name of the Medicaid program you re in if you get: o Medicare (QMB, MQMB) o Texas Women s Health Program (TWHP) o Hospice o STAR Health o Emergency Medicaid, or o Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PE) Facts your drug store will need to bill Medicaid. The name of your doctor and drug store if you re in the Medicaid Lock-in program. The back of the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card has a website you can visit ( and a phone number you can call toll-free ( ) if you have questions about the new card. If you forget your card, your doctor, dentist, or drug store can use the phone or the Internet to make sure you get Medicaid benefits. 15

18 Temporary card If you lose the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card and need quick proof of eligibility, you can get a Temporary Medicaid Eligibility Verification Form (Form 1027-A). Call your local HHSC office to get this form. To find the nearest office, call (pick a language and then pick option 2). Present this form as proof of your eligibility for Medicaid in the same way you would present the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card as described above. Your provider will accept this form as proof of Medicaid eligibility. You can also go online at and print a temporary ID card after logging into your account. CHANGING HEALTH PLANS What if I want to change health plans? You can change your health plan by calling the Texas STAR Program Helpline at You can change health plans as often as you want. If you call to change your health plan on or before the 15 th of the month, the change will take place on the first day of the next month. If you call after the 15 th of the month, the change will take place the first day of the second month after that. For example: If you call on or before April 15, your change will take place on May 1. If you call after April 15, your change will take place on June 1. Who do I call? For more information, call the Texas STAR Program Helpline at How many times can I change health plans? You can change your health plan as often as you want. When will my health plan change become effective? If you call to change your health plan on or before the 15th of the month, the change will take place on the first day of the next month. If you call after the 15th of the month, the change will take place the first day of the second month after that. For example: If you call on or before April 15, your change will take place on May 1. If you call after April 15, your change will take place June 1. Can Dell Children s Health Plan ask that I get dropped from their health plan? Yes. Dell Children s Health Plan can ask that a member be taken out of the plan if there is a good reason. The reasons could be, but are not limited to, the following: Fraud or abuse by a member Threats or physical acts leading to harming of Dell Children s Health Plan staff or providers You try to hurt other patients or make it hard for other patients to get the care they need Theft You are no longer eligible for Medicaid Refusal to go by Dell Children s Health Plan policies and procedures, like: o Missed visits over and over again o Acting rudely towards a provider or a staff person o Letting someone use your ID card, or o Consistently using a doctor that is not a Dell Children s Health Plan provider 16

19 Dell Children s Health Plan will not ask you to leave the program without trying to work with you. You can call Dell Children s Health Plan if you have any questions about this process. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will decide if a member can be told to leave that health plan. GET YOUR KIDS ON ONE PLAN It s easy to keep all your kids on the same health plan. All you have to do is call the number below and tell them you want to change your child s health plan. STAR Medicaid: MOVING? What do I have to do if I move? As soon as you have your new address, give it to the local HHSC benefits office and Dell Children s Health Plan Member Services Department at (TTY 711). Before you get Medicaid services in your new area, you must call Dell Children s Health Plan, unless you need emergency services. You will continue to get care through Dell Children s Health Plan until HHSC changes your address. What happens if I lose my Medicaid coverage? If you lose Medicaid coverage but get it back again within six (6) months you will get your Medicaid services from the same health plan you had before losing your Medicaid coverage. You will also have the same Primary Care Provider you had before. If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid based on income, your children may be eligible for the Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). To find out more, call RECERTIFY YOUR MEDICAID BENEFITS ON TIME What do I have to do if I need help with completing my renewal application? Don t lose your health-care benefits! You could lose your benefits even if you still qualify. Every 12 months, you need to renew your benefits. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will send you a letter telling you it is time to renew your Medicaid benefits. The letter will have instructions to tell you how to renew. If you do not renew by the date in the letter, you will lose your health-care benefits. You can apply for and renew benefits online at Click on View My Case and set up an account to get easy access to the status of your benefits. If you have any questions, you can call 2-1-1, pick a language, and then select option 2 or visit the HHSC benefits office near you. To find the office nearest your home, call 2-1-1, pick a language, and then select option 2 or you can go to and click on Find an Office at the top of the page. We want you to keep getting your health-care benefits from us if you still qualify. To renew, go to and click on View my case. Follow the directions there to renew. 17

20 STAR VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS What extra benefits does a member of Dell Children s Health Plan get? How can I get these benefits? Dell Children s Health Plan covers extra health-care benefits for our STAR members. These extra benefits are also called Value-added Benefits (VABs). We give you these benefits to help keep you healthy and to thank you for choosing Dell Children s Health Plan as your health-care plan. Call Member Services for more information on the extra benefits you can get or visit our website at dellchildrenshealthplan.com/members. YMCA Membership for Greater Williamson County: Families on Dell Children s Health Plan can receive a family membership in the Greater Williamson County YMCAs located in Round Rock, Twin Lakes, and Hutto after all family members have been enrolled for 6 months. Membership includes unlimited youth sports sessions. YMCA youth sports session: You can get one YMCA youth sports session, such as flag football, soccer, basketball, kickball, baseball, or volleyball, each year for members ages 5-14 in Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties. Boys & Girls Club membership: Dell Children s Health Plan will cover one Boys & Girls Club basic membership per year where available for members in Bastrop, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. 24-hour Nurse HelpLine: Call (TTY 711) to speak to a nurse 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week for health-care information and advice or direction on possible urgent care referrals. Getting a ride (when State services are not available): For help getting a ride ride for medical services like the doctor or the pharmacy, just call Member Services at (TTY 711). Vision hardware and contact lenses: You can get up to $100 off the price of upgraded eyeglass lenses and frames every 2 years. Members ages can get up to $100 for contact lenses instead of glasses every 2 years. Call Superior Vision of Texas at Allergy-free pillow cover: 1 allergy-free pillow cover each year for certain members with asthma ages 0-20 in our disease management program.to learn more, call Member Services at (TTY 711). Ask to talk to Case Management. Wellness incentive: Members receive a $20 gift card each year for receiving their timely annual Texas Health Steps exam for ages 3 through 18 years in accordance with the state schedule. Call (TTY 711) for more information. Sports physicals: Dell Children s Health Plan will cover one sports physical exam per year for your child ages This is in addition to the normal physical exam. To learn more, talk to your doctor. Behavioral health bonus: Free behavioral health assessment and navigation by trained resource navigators. Tobacco cessation: Counseling and nicotine replacement therapy products are available for members age 18 and over after all Medicaid benefits are used. Child car booster seat: Members ages 4 to 12 who get an Initial Health Assessment or an annual wellchild checkup within 90 days of enrollment in the plan can receive a child car booster seat. 18

21 Safety helmet: Members ages 3 to 18 who get an Initial Health Assessment or an annual well-child checkup within 90 days of enrollment to the plan can receive a safety helmet. Short-term phone help: If you qualify, you can receive a cellphone and up to 250 minutes of services each month, plus: 200 one-time bonus minutes when you choose to receive health text messages from Dell Children s Health Plan Unlimited inbound text messages plus health and wellness and renewal reminder texts from Dell Children s Health Plan Unlimited minutes when calling our Member Services line Minutes include international calling if available To learn more, call Member Services at (TTY 711). Pregnant? Up to $250 for dental checkups, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions each year for pregnant members age 21 and older. Dell Children s Health Plan will provide a $25 gift card upon completion of a maternity class held at a Dell Children s Health Plan facility. $25 gift card for pregnant members for getting a prenatal checkup within 42 days of enrollment or in the first trimester and a $25 gift card for completing a postpartum visit within 21 to 56 days after delivery. Please note that restrictions and limitations may apply. To learn more, call Member Services at (TTY 711). What health education classes does Dell Children s Health Plan offer? Dell Children s Health Plan has health classes through Dell Children s Health Plan Good Health Online. Some of the classes we offer are: Preparing for childbirth Parenting Sibling classes for children Heart health and diabetes Support groups Good nutrition You can visit or call Member Services at (TTY 711). We will help you sign up for a class. WHAT ARE MY HEALTH-CARE BENEFITS? Your doctor will give you the care you need or refer you to a doctor that can give you the care you need. For a few special Dell Children s Health Plan benefits, members have to be a certain age or have a certain kind of health problem. If you have a question or are not sure whether we offer a certain benefit, you can call Member Services for help. 19

22 STAR covered services include, but are not limited to, medically necessary: Emergency and nonemergency ambulance services Audiology services, including hearing aids, for adults and children Behavioral health services, including: o Inpatient mental health services o Outpatient mental health services o Psychiatry services o Mental health rehabilitative services o o o Counseling services for adults (21 years of age and older) Outpatient substance use disorder treatment services, including: Assessment Detoxification services Counseling Medication-assisted therapy Residential substance use disorder treatment (including room and board and detoxification services) Chiropractic services Dialysis Durable medical equipment and supplies Early childhood intervention services Emergency services Family planning services Home health-care services Hospital services, including inpatient and outpatient Laboratory services Mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and related follow-up procedures, including: o Inpatient services; outpatient services provided at an outpatient hospital or ambulatory health-care center as clinically appropriate; and physician and professional services provided in an office, inpatient, or outpatient setting for: All stages of reconstruction on the breast(s) on which medically necessary mastectomy procedure(s) have been performed Surgery and reconstruction on the other breast to produce symmetrical appearance; treatment of physical complications from the mastectomy and treatment of lymphedemas Prophylactic mastectomy to prevent the development of breast cancer o External breast prosthesis for the breast(s) on which medically necessary mastectomy procedure(s) have been performed Medical checkups and Comprehensive Care program services for children (from birth through age 20) through the Texas Health Steps program Mental health targeted case management Newborn care Oral evaluation and fluoride varnish in the medical home in conjunction with Texas Health Steps medical checkup for children 6 months through 35 months of age Outpatient drugs and biologicals, including those dispensed by a pharmacy or administered by a provider Drugs and biologicals provided in an inpatient setting Podiatry 20

23 Pregnancy and Post Delivery Care to include: o All prenatal and postpartum care visits o Delivery and hospitalization including a licensed birthing facility o Birthing services by a physician or certified nurse-midwife a licensed birthing facility Primary care services Preventive services, including an annual adult well checkup for patients 21 years of age and older Radiology, imaging, and X-rays Specialty physician services Telehealth Telemedicine Telemonitoring, to the extent covered by Texas Government Code Therapies physical, occupational, and speech Transplantation of organs and tissues Vision (includes optometry and glasses; contact lenses are only covered if they are medically necessary for vision correction that cannot be accomplished by glasses) How do I get these services? Your primary care provider will work with you to make sure you get the services you need. These services MUST be given by your doctor or to whom your doctor has referred you. Are there any limits to any covered services? There may be some limits to care, based on Medicaid covered benefits. You can call Dell Children s Health Plan Member Services at (TTY 711). We can tell you if a covered service has a limit. All STAR members with SSI will continue to receive their long-term services and supports through the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). What if Dell Children s Health Plan doesn t have a provider for one of my covered benefits? If a covered benefit is not available to you through a network provider, Dell Children s Health Plan will arrange services with an out-of-network provider and will reimburse the out-of-network provider according to state rules. You must contact Member Services at (TTY 711) to arrange out-of-network services except in case of emergency. What services are not covered? The following is a list of SOME of the services NOT covered by the STAR program: Services or items only for cosmetic purposes First aid supplies Items for personal cleanliness and grooming Services decided to be experimental or for research Services NOT approved by the doctor, unless the doctor approval is not needed (i.e., Texas Health Steps and Behavioral Health) Care that is not medically necessary Abortions except as allowed by state law Sex change operations or transsexual surgery Fertility treatments Private room and personal comfort items when hospitalized Treatment for disabilities connected to military service

24 Routine foot care except for members with diabetes or poor circulation Sterilization for members under age 21 What other services can Dell Children s Health Plan help me get? Listed below are agencies and programs that provide other Medicaid services. You can contact these programs directly or Dell Children s Health Plan can help you get these services. You can call Member Services at (TTY 711). Services include: Texas Health Steps dental (including orthodontia): (1-877-THSteps) Texas Health Steps dental checkups are recommended every 3-6 months, starting at 6 months of age. The different types of dental health services offered for children and young adults who have Medicaid are: preventative services (including exams and cleaning), treatment services (including fillings and crowns), and emergency dental services. Texas Health Steps environmental lead investigation (ELI): (1-877-THSteps) Environmental lead investigations (ELIs) are a benefit of Texas Medicaid through the Texas Health Steps program for clients who are birth through 20 years of age and who have an elevated blood lead level. Blood lead screening is mandatory for all children during the Texas Health Steps medical checkups at 12 and 24 months of age, or if there is no evidence of a previous blood lead screen for the client. A blood lead screen is the only definitive method to detect recent or ongoing exposure to lead. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) case management/service coordination: Service coordinators help families access and receive the services, resources, and support they need to support their child s development. Support includes helping the child and family transition to special education services as appropriate for children exiting ECI at age 3. ECI programs provide comprehensive case management for all members of the child s family as their needs relate to the child s growth and development. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Specialized Skills Training ECI provides developmental services by coaching families on infant and toddler development and behavior. This includes assisting families with challenging behaviors such as tantrums, biting, picky eating, and sleep issues. EIS professional understand how infants and toddlers learn, socialize, and how developmental areas are connected. Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women toll-free: , ext Case management services provided to Medicaid-eligible children with a health condition or pregnant women with a high-risk condition during pregnancy. Texas School Health and Related Services (SHARS): Current services include: assessment, audiology, counseling, school health services, medical services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, speech therapy, special transportation, and personal care services. Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Blind Children s Vocational Discovery and Development Program: A Blind Children s Program Specialist an expert in providing services to children with visual impairments works with each child and family to create a Family Service Plan. The plan tailored to the child s unique needs and circumstances is flexible and will develop along with the child. Tuberculosis (TB) services provided by Department of State Health Services (DSHS)-approved providers (directly observed therapy and contact investigation): Network providers coordinate with the local TB control program to ensure that all members with confirmed or suspected TB have a contact investigation and receive directly observed therapy (DOT).

25 Community First Choice (CFC) services: CFC is a state plan option that allows states to provide home and community-based attendant services and supports to eligible Medicaid enrollees under their state plan. Texas Health Steps Personal Care Services (PCS) for persons ages birth through age 20. Call PCS is a Medicaid benefit that assists eligible clients who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) because of a physical, cognitive, or behavioral limitation related to their disability, physical, or mental illness or chronic condition. ADL services include assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, personal hygiene, and mobility. IADL services include assistance with grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and transportation to medical appointments. Transportation to and from nonemergency medical services: Health and Human Services Commission s Medical Transportation will help you get the transportation you need for doctor appointments. Other state and local agencies and programs such as food stamps, and the Women, Infants, and Children s (WIC) program. Call WIC is the special supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Participants learn about nutrition and how to stay healthy, and receive benefits to purchase healthy foods. Services are free to those who are enrolled in Medicaid. HEALTH CARE AND OTHER SERVICES FOR STAR MEMBERS What does medically necessary mean? Medically necessary means: 1. For Members birth through age 20, the following Texas Health Steps services: a. screening, vision, and hearing services; and b. other Health Care Services, including Behavioral Health Services, that are necessary to correct or improve a defect or physical or mental illness or condition. A determination of whether a service is necessary to correct or ameliorate a defect or physical or mental illness or condition: i. must comply with the requirements of the Alberto N., et al. v. Traylor, et al. partial settlement agreements; and ii. may include consideration of other relevant factors, such as the criteria described in parts (2)(bg) and (3)(b-g) of this definition. 2. For Members over age 20, non-behavioral health related health care services, that are: a. reasonable and necessary to prevent illnesses or medical conditions, or provide early screening, interventions, or treatments for conditions that cause suffering or pain, cause physical deformity or limitations in function, threaten to cause or worsen a handicap, cause illness or infirmity of a member, or endanger life; b. provided at appropriate facilities and at the appropriate levels of care for the treatment of a member s health conditions; c. consistent with health care practice guidelines and standards that are endorsed by professionally recognized health care organizations or governmental agencies; d. consistent with the diagnoses of the conditions; e. no more intrusive or restrictive than necessary to provide a proper balance of safety, effectiveness, and efficiency; f. are not experimental or investigative; and g. are not primarily for the convenience of the member or provider; and 3. For Members over age 20, behavioral health services that:

26 a. are reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a mental health or chemical dependency disorder, or to improve, maintain, or prevent deterioration of functioning resulting from such a disorder; b. are in accordance with professionally accepted clinical guidelines and standards of practice in behavioral health care; c. are furnished in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting in which services can be safely provided; d. are the most appropriate level or supply of service that can safely be provided; e. could not be omitted without adversely affecting the member s mental and/or physical health or the quality of care rendered; f. are not experimental or investigative; and g. are not primarily for the convenience of the member or provider. How is new technology evaluated? The Dell Children s Health Plan Medical Director and participating providers review and evaluate new medical advances in technology (or the new application of existing technology) in medical procedures, behavioral health procedures, pharmaceuticals, and devices to determine their appropriateness for covered benefits. Scientific literature and government approval are reviewed for determining if the treatment is safe and effective. The new medical advance or treatment (or new application of existing technology) must provide equal or better outcomes than the existing covered benefit treatment or therapy for it to be considered for coverage by Dell Children s Health Plan. What is routine medical care? In most cases when you need medical care, you call your doctor to make an appointment. Then you go to see the doctor. This will cover most minor illnesses and injuries, as well as regular checkups. This type of care is known as routine care. Your doctor is someone you see when you are not feeling well, but that is only part of your doctor's job. Your doctor also takes care of you before you get sick. This is called well care. See the What services are offered by Texas Health Steps? section for more information about well care offered by your doctor. How soon can I expect to be seen? You should be able to see your doctor within 2 weeks for routine care. What is urgent medical care? Another type of care is urgent care. There are some injuries and illnesses that are probably not emergencies but can turn into emergencies if they are not treated within 24 hours. Some examples are: Minor burns or cuts Earaches Sore throat Muscle sprains/strains What should I do if my child or I need urgent medical care? For urgent care, you should call your doctor s office, even on nights and weekends. Your doctor will tell you what to do. In some cases, your doctor may tell you to go to an urgent care clinic. If your doctor tells you to go to an urgent care clinic, you don t need to call the clinic before going. You need to go to a clinic that takes Dell Children s Health Plan Medicaid. For help, call us toll-free at (TTY 711). You also can call our 24- hour Nurse HelpLine at (TTY 711) for help with getting the care you need.