STAR
STAR is a no-cost Medicaid plan that covers children up to age 21, some adults, and pregnant women who cannot afford health coverage.
The STAR (Medicaid) program gives you a health coverage without out-of-pocket costs. Benefits include:
- Doctor visits.
- Vaccines.
- Prescription drugs.
- Eye exams and glasses.
- Dental care for kids.
- Hearing tests.
- Prenatal care.
- Hospital care.
- Drug abuse services.
- Much more!
Each plan has:
- A primary care doctor who you choose
- A large group of specialists
- Therapists
- Clinics
- Hospitals
There are no enrollment fees and co-payments.
STAR Medicaid benefits must be renewed every 12 months.
Regular visits to the doctor and dentist are important. And with Texas Health Steps, checkups are free. Babies, children and teens all need:
- Medical checkups so any problems can be treated before they get worse.
- Dental checkups every 6 months and maybe more if the dentist finds problems.
- Vaccines to keep children safe from diseases.
Texas Health Steps visits are important medical checkups that include all of the necessary medical screenings, vaccinations (shots) and laboratory tests your child needs depending on their age.
At your visit, the provider will check the condition of your child’s
- Ears, nose and throat
- Teeth
- Vision
- Hearing
- Head and brain (includes testing of coordination, reflexes and senses)
- Heart
- Chest and lungs
- Stomach area/abdomen
- Bones and skeletal structure
Value-added services for Texas Health Steps checkups
As a Dell Children’s Health Plan member, you can get rewards for getting Texas Health Steps checkups for your child. Here are some examples*:
- $120 reward for members who get all 6 Texas Health Steps checkups, newborn through 15 months of age.
- $20 reward for each timely Texas Health Steps checkup at 18, 24 and 30 months.
- $20 reward each year your child gets a Texas Health Steps checkup for members ages 3 to 20 years.
* Restrictions or limitations may apply.
There is no fee for Texas Health Steps visits. Texas Health Steps visits are covered by Medicaid. Medicaid will also likely cover any treatment needed if your child needs extra care. You can call Texas Health Steps toll free at 1-877-847-8377 (1-877-THSteps).
Your child needs to be seen at these ages:
Babies need checkup when they are:
- 3-5 days old
- 1-2 weeks old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
- 9 months old
Doctors make sure babies are healthy and growing as they should.
Dental checkups start when your baby is 6 months old. The dentist or doctor might put fluoride on your child’s teeth as part of a dental or medical checkup.
Children in this age group need medical checkups when they are:
- 12 months old
- 15 months old
- 18 months old
- 2 years old
- 2 1/2 years old
- 3 years old
- 4 years old
The doctor may check your child’s hearing and eyesight in these checkups, too. Children need dental checkups every 6 months and maybe more often if the dentist finds problems.
Children in this age group need medical checkups once each year. An easy way to remember is to set up a checkup on your child’s birthday.
The dentist may want to put a special coating on your child’s teeth. These are called sealants, and they help prevent tooth decay.
Teens and young adults in this age group need medical checkups once each year. An easy way to remember is to set up a checkup on your child’s birthday.
The doctor may talk with your teen about eating habits, exercise, ways to prevent injuries, and how to have a healthy lifestyle.
Dell Children’s Health Plan is here to help you!
Call Dell Children’s Health Plan Member Services toll-free at 1-855-921-6284 (TTY 7-1-1), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central time.
We can help with rides to the doctor and drug store, too. Call 1-844-867-2742 (TTY 7-1-1). for help getting a ride to the doctor or drug store. You can call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to set up a ride. Please call 2 days before your child’s visit.
If you need someone to translate in your language for a doctor visit, we cover that, too. Just let us know if you need an interpreter when you talk to Member Services.
Extra help for traveling farmworkers
If you are a farmworker and your children get STAR Medicaid, we can help you find a doctor and get your children’s Texas Health Steps checkups faster. We know it can be hard finding doctors and setting up checkups. We will help you get checkups for your children and healthcare they need. We will also help you get the medicine and medical supplies your children may need.
