03/22/2024
What’s new
Effective March 1, 2024, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) extended Medicaid coverage from two to 12 months for postpartum for eligible Medicaid and CHIP members. This ensures that you and your baby have access to healthcare services for an extended period after the baby is born.
Eligibility
Eligible members include individuals who:
- are pregnant or become pregnant while enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP.* Coverage for these individuals will automatically be extended.
- were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP while pregnant and are no longer pregnant but are still within their 12-month postpartum period. Women who transitioned from Medicaid or CHIP to Healthy Texas Women after their pregnancy ended and who are within their 12 months postpartum period will be reinstated to full Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
- received services while pregnant in Texas that would have been covered by Medicaid but who apply for Medicaid after their pregnancy ends. Medicaid applicants with unpaid medical bills can apply for coverage up to three months before their application month. This does not apply to CHIP applicants.
- have unpaid medical bills within the last three months, you may be eligible to receive assistance.
You will have access to the full range of benefits offered for STAR and CHIP coverage, including:
- Regular medical checkups.
- Prescription drugs and vaccines.
- Hospital care and services.
- X-rays and lab tests.
- Vision and hearing care.
- Access to medical specialists and mental health care.
- Treatment of special needs and pre-existing conditions
*This extension does not apply to CHIP Perinatal members.
Questions
Providers, for questions or additional information, please:
- Contact your BCBSTX Medicaid Network Representative at 1-855-212-1615
- Submit via email Texas Medicaid Network Department
The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to other third-party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organization. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.