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STAR+PLUS

Medicaid

Our Texas STAR+PLUS plan is for older adults (65 and older) and adults with disabilities (21 and older), who often need extra support and care. We also offer additional services called Value Added Services (VAS). You qualify based on income and health needs. View the list below to see what STAR+PLUS includes.

Important News for STAR+PLUS Members -- UnitedHealthcare’s coverage areas are changing

New Service Delivery Areas: UnitedHealthcare coverage begins on September 1, 2024
If you live in a new service delivery area (SDA), click on Steps to Enroll below for simple steps to join the STAR+PLUS plan. Your coverage will begin on September 1, 2024.

  • Bexar (San Antonio area): Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson counties
  • Dallas (Dallas area): Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall counties
  • Hidalgo (Valley area): Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, McMullen, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and  Zapata Counties
  • Tarrant (Fort Worth area): Denton, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Tarrant, and Wise counties

Current Service Delivery Areas: UnitedHealthcare coverage continues on September 1, 2024
UnitedHealthcare coverage is not changing in current SDAs, no action is required to continue coverage. UnitedHealthcare members in these areas can stay on their health plan and continue to see the health care providers they know and trust.

  • Harris (Houston area): Austin, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, and Wharton counties
  • Central Texas: Bell, Blanco, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Comanche, Coryell, DeWitt, Erath, Falls, Freestone, Gillespie, Gonzales, Grimes, Hamilton, Hill, Jackson, Lampasas, Lavaca, Leon, Limestone, Llano, Madison, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Robertson, San Saba, Somervell, and Washington counties
  • Northeast Texas: Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Cooke, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Houston, Lamar, Marion, Montague, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties
  • Travis (Austin area): Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis, and Williamson counties

If you live in these SDAs and would like to change your STAR+PLUS coverage to UnitedHealthcare, click on Steps to Enroll below for simple steps to join our plan. Coverage will begin on September 1, 2024, or sooner.

Exiting Service Delivery Areas: UnitedHealthcare coverage will end on August 31, 2024
UnitedHealthcare members in these areas can stay in our health plan and continue seeing health care providers they know and trust through August 31, 2024. 

  • Jefferson (Beaumont area): Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Tyler, and Walker counties
  • Nueces (Corpus Christi area): Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria

In March and June 2024, the Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) will send letters to UnitedHealthcare members telling them about their new health plan options.  If a member in an exiting SDA does not choose a new health plan by July 10, 2024, HHSC will select one for them. Coverage with the new health plan will begin on September 1, 2024.

Benefits & Features

Well and Sick Care

Get the assistance you need to be at your best — or to get better if you are injured or sick. That includes:

  • Service Coordinator. Specially trained professional to help you receive the services you need based on a person centered plan.
  • Well Visits. Annual checkups can help keep you healthy or reach your potential.
  • Medicines. Fill your prescriptions at local pharmacies.
  • Lab and X-rays. Lab tests, x-rays and diagnostic imaging are covered.
  • Hospital Care. You pay nothing for care in a hospital.

If you have asthma, diabetes or other long-term conditions, you can depend on us. Our STAR+PLUS plan makes sure you get the care, support and services you need. Benefits include:

  • Service Coordination. Support from an experienced professional.
  • Disease Management. Individual care to help you manage chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, Kidney Failure and Heart Failure.
  • Mental Health Support. Counseling and other treatments are available.

Help protect your sight, hearing and smile with these benefits:

  • Vision. Includes exams and $105 toward frames or contact lenses as a value added service.
  • Hearing. Tests, checkups and hearing services are provided.
  • Dental. Checkups are covered as part of a value added service, and emergency care is covered.

Get the medical equipment, assistance and supplies you need to live safely at home. Benefits include:

  • Personal Care. Someone to help with personal care tasks for individuals that qualify based on your primary care physician determination of a functional need and an assessment process.
  • Day Activity Health Services. Supervised care in a group setting with nursing support during the day.
  • Equipment and Supplies. In-home medical and safety equipment are covered as medically necessary.

Sometimes you might need a little extra help using your health plan. For those times, you can rely on:

  • Transportation. Rides to and from medical visits or the pharmacy.
  • Nurse HotlineSMCall our nurses for advice 24/7.
  • Interpreters. As needed for medical appointment or assessments.
  • Member Services. Your benefit questions are answered 24/7.

Read about all the extras you could get when you become a STAR+PLUS member:

  • Vision. Includes exams and $105 toward frames or contact lenses.
  • Adult Dental Services. Includes $500 towards routine exams, cleanings, and x-rays.
  • Diabetic Management. Shoe insoles for members with diabetes.
  • Online Mental Health Resources. Access articles, videos, and other resources at LiveandWorkWell.com
  • Exercise Kit. Includes one pedometer, one pack of resistance bands, and one water bottle for members who want to become more active. 
  • Learn more about Value-added Services English | Español
  • Read all about the extras you could get when you become a STAR+PLUS Nursing Facility Member English | Español

If you're elderly, disabled or living with an illness, your health needs are unique. Our job is to make it as easy as possible for you to meet those needs. The STAR+PLUS HCBS Waiver program provides an array of services and supports for individuals meet the state criteria and have medical necessity for Nursing Facility Level of Care to assist them to live safely in the setting of their choice. Some of the benefits provided in this program include (not an all inclusive list):

  • Specialized Nursing
  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Respite
  • Dental services
  • Adaptive aids
  • Minor Home Modifications

Choice of Doctor

You get a primary care physician (PCP) who is your main doctor. Use the Doctor Lookup tool to see if your doctor is in our network.

If you don't have a doctor or if your doctor is not in our network, we can help you find a new one close to you. 

Your PCP is your main doctor for:

  • Preventive care.
  • Treatment if you are sick or injured.
  • Referrals to specialists for certain conditions.

Hospitalization

This plan pays for all expenses related to a medically necessary hospital stay.

After you leave the hospital, you are not alone. We make sure you get follow-up care to continue healing at home.

In-Home Care

Sometimes the basics are hard to do yourself after an illness or injury. If needed, we provide someone to help with:

  • Dressing.
  • Bathing.
  • Feeding.

Interpreters

Your doctor and you need to understand each other. Not speaking English well makes this difficult. We can arrange for an interpreter for your appointment.

We have people at our phone centers that speak more than one language. A service lets us connects with others that speak hundreds of languages.

Language Help

You can ask to receive information in another language. Then anything we write to you will only be in that language. This is provided at no cost to you.

Medicines

We make getting your medicine easy.

There are no copays for covered drugs. You can fill your prescriptions at:

  • Local pharmacies.
  • Services that deliver routinely right to your door.
  • Mail order services.

Member Services

Sometimes you might need a little help understanding your health care options. With us, you have someone you can call 24/7. We’ll answer your questions simply and completely.

Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health. That's why we have the same coverage for both.

Required care is 100% covered with no copay. This includes:

  • Behavioral therapy.
  • Substance use treatment.
  • Medications.

No Copays

You pay nothing for covered services.

While your health care is low-cost or free, the care quality is high. You get: 

  • Care from highly skilled and compassionate doctors.
  • Treatments at respected hospitals and clinics.
  • Prescription drugs coverage.

Nurse Hotline

Medical questions and situations come at inconvenient times. When you have questions about your health or your child's health, you can call a trained nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our Nurse Hotline nurses will: 

  • Listen to the symptoms.
  • Guide you on self-care.
  • Advise you about getting care at a doctor visit or an urgent care center.
  • Suggest you go right to the emergency department.

Quitting Tobacco

You know the bad health effects of smoking. You know you need to quit. We will support you while you quit with coaches and supplies. The only thing you won't get from us is a lecture.

Service Coordination - Cornerstone of the STAR+PLUS program

  • Explain medical terms in plain language.
  • Coordinate your doctor appointments and other services or treatments you may need.
  • Connect you with community resources.

Your case manager will stay with you on your medical journey. He or she will:

  • Think beyond just your medical needs.
  • Make sure you have support at home as needed.

Transportation

Whether you live in the city or in the country, rides are available. Our plan provides round trips to and from plan locations. This includes trips to and from the pharmacy to fill your prescriptions.

Vision Care

You'll get the care, eyeglasses and treatment that let you see life more clearly. Coverage includes $105 each year toward frames or contact lenses.

This benefit is offered by certain stores and retailers.

Member Resources

Member Resources (opens modal window)

Enrollment Information

The Texas STAR+PLUS plan specialists can answer questions.

Call us:
1-888-887-9003 / TTY: 711

8:00 am to 8:00 pm local time, Monday – Friday

Steps to Enroll
Face-to-face assessments return
  • As of January 2023 some types of assessments will require a face-to-face visit. This means a United Healthcare staff member will need to visit with you in your place of residency.​
  • Please be advised that missing your assessment could impact your services or eligibility. If you have questions, please contact your Service Coordinator or Member Services.​
  • Call Member Services at 1-888-887-9003, TTY 7-1-1, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. or email memberservices_uhccp@uhc.com to get help finding a provider or setting up a visit.​
Get the details

Visit the Texas CHIP & Medicaid site for more information on eligibility and enrollment.

Texas STAR+PLUS.

For information in alternate formats, like large print, Braille or audio, please call Member Services. Contract information can be found on STAR PLUS Contract Operational (texas.gov)

Member Information

You have access to our member-only website. Print ID cards and more. View our handbook below.

Member information is available in paper form, at no cost, upon request, and sent by the health plan within five business days.

Member website

Do you have other format needs?

We offer our materials in large print, audio files, and Braille. Call us today to let us know if you need information in a different format. 

How to change web view

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See what UnitedHealthcare has to offer.

It’s your health. It’s your choice.

Everyone deserves affordable health care, including you.

Seniors and people with disabilities, who qualify for Medicaid’s STAR+PLUS Program, should check out UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas

We have the Medicaid benefits and extras that can make a real difference in your life. All at no cost to you.

  • Find a Primary Care Physician you trust in our network to be your main doctor.
  • Vision coverage.
  • Transportation to and from doctor appointments.
  • 24/7 Nurse Hotline to answer your health questions.

Sometimes, you might need a little extra help. Get extras not covered by Medicaid.

  • Receive one fire and waterproof bag per fiscal year to safely store important documents, medications and personal items when experiencing a natural disaster.
  • Receive an exercise kit to help you adopt an active lifestyle or to lose weight.
  • Online mental health services.
  • Help getting a ride when traditional Medicaid transportation is not available.

We also offer resources to help you make the most of your plan. Including:

  • Member Advocates
  • Service Coordinators
  • Health Education Tools
  • Care Management

Visit yourtexasbenefits.com for more information.

Helping you live a healthier life. We are here for you, Texas

Remember to choose UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. And get the Plan that gives you more.

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, visit UHCCommunityPlan dot com forward slash TX. 

At UnitedHealthcare we want to make sure you can access all the benefits your plan provides.

If you’ve had a change in your health status and your doctor determines you need a wheelchair, your plan is here for you.

To make sure you get the equipment you need with the coverage you have, follow these simple steps.

You may need a wheelchair evaluation referral from a healthcare provider in your plan’s network for wheelchairs with special features.

Next a Durable Medical Equipment or DME vendor in your health plan network is located.

In many cases, your healthcare provider can help locate an in-network provider and send the referral.

If the health care provider does not complete this step we can help you find an in-network provider and schedule an appointment.

It is important to understand what your insurance does and does not cover, so that you don’t have unexpected expenses.

And we can help you with that.

Once the referral has been sent to the identified provider the evaluation will be performed by a physical therapist, an occupational therapist or a physiatrist who specializes in determining proper seating and positioning.

This evaluation may take place in your home or in the DME provider’s office.

If the assessment takes place at the provider office, be sure to bring your wheelchair with you if you have one.

During the visit you may be asked to provide additional information including your health status and risk factors, transportation needs, and information on your home environment (if the assessment does not take place in your home).

Wheelchairs may take anywhere from 60 to 90 calendar days to be delivered.

Factors such as supply chain issues and availability of parts may cause additional delay.

Your DME provider can assist you with a loaner chair during the waiting period if needed.

When your new wheelchair is delivered be sure to sit in it to ensure proper fit and adjustments.

And even if you have experience with wheelchairs do take the time for the vendor to provide instructions on the use of the chair and its features, care and maintenance.

If any equipment you are requesting is not a covered benefit you may be asked to pay out of pocket for the equipment.

The vendor should provide you with a clear explanation of why it is not part of your benefits.

Generally, a wheelchair should last at least five years, although growing children may need a new chair more often.

If you already use a wheelchair and it’s damaged and unable to be repaired you may also be eligible for a new wheelchair.

Over time your insurance and DME providers may change.

So, be sure and keep all the information about the chair, the DME provider, the coverage and any documentation on any repairs or changes made.

Remember, if you have any questions or need more information visit myuhc.com/CommunityPlan or call member services at the number on the back of your member ID card.