A Guide to Medical Services at CPS
What is STAR Health?
STAR Health is a statewide, comprehensive healthcare system that was designed to better coordinate and improve access to health care for:
- children in DFPS conservatorship (under age 18);
- youth in CPS extended foster care (ages 18 to 22);
- youth who were previously under DFPS conservatorship and have returned to foster care (ages 18 to 22) through voluntary foster care agreements;
- youth ages 18-21 who were previously in foster care and are living independently and receive Medicaid for Transitioning Youth (MTFCY); and
- former foster care youth (ages 21 to 23) enrolled in an institution of higher education located in Texas enrolled in the Former Foster Care in Higher Education (FFCHE) program.
STAR Health began providing services to children in DFPS conservatorship on April 1st, 2008. Superior HealthPlan Network (Superior) is the managed care organization selected by HHSC to administer the STAR Health program.
STAR Health provides a full-range of Medicaid covered medical and behavioral health services for children in DFPS conservatorship and young adults in DFPS paid placements.
STAR Health Goals
The main goal of STAR Health is to quickly give children in state care the coordinated medical and behavioral health care services they need. These services are available to these children no matter where they are in the state and even when they move.
STAR Health at a Glance
- A Medical Home for each child, meaning a doctor [or other Primary Care Provider (PCP) or PCP Team] to oversee care
- Speedy enrollment for immediate health care benefits
- Coordination of physical and behavioral health
- Preventive care through Texas Health Steps to keep children healthier
- Access to healthcare through a network of providers (doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics, psychiatrists, therapists, etc.)
- Health Passport making more health history and health information available to medical consenters, doctors, and other healthcare providers
- Access to 7-day, 24-hour Nursing and Behavioral Health help-lines for caregivers and caseworkers
- Medical advisory committees to monitor healthcare provider performance
- Recruitment of providers with a history of treating children who have been abused or neglected
STAR Health Services
- Physical and behavioral healthcare.
- Dental services.
- Vision services.
- Service Coordination.
- Clinical service management and disease management.
- Health Passport.
- Help-lines for consumers and healthcare providers
- Physical, occupational, speech and other health-related services
Accessing STAR Health Services and Information
For a child enrolled in the STAR Health program, DFPS staff, caregivers and medical consenters can access information about and request help with finding a provider, scheduling an appointment, or obtaining services by:
- Calling STAR Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283.
- Using the STAR Health website at www.fostercaretx.com.
To receive medical or behavioral healthcare services through a STAR Health provider for a child enrolled in the STAR Health program, the medical consenter should present the child's STAR Health ID Card, Medicaid Card, or DFPS Medical consent Form 2085-B at the time of the appointment. If the provider has questions regarding the child's eligibility to receive STAR Health services, the provider or medical consenter may contact STAR Health Member Services to clarify the situation and receive further instruction.
Issues and concerns related to STAR Health may be brought to the attention of the Well-Being Specialist for the DFPS region involved.
STAR Health FAQ's
Q: What should I do if a child needs immediate medical attention?
A: If it is a life-threatening situation, go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise you can contact the NurseWise Hotline by dialing (866) 912-6283 (press option "7" after hours & weekends) in order to talk to a nurse about health questions 24-hours/ day, 7-days/week. English and Spanish speaking nurses are available.
Q: How does a medical consenter select a Personal Care Provider (PCP) for a
child?
A: Call STAR Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283 and have ready both your IMPACT Person Identification (PID) number and the choice of doctor. Superior may also ask for other personal identifying information. Medical consenters should request a PCP who is a Texas Health Steps provider.
Q: What if my current healthcare provider is not a STAR Health provider?
A: Medical consenters can encourage their current healthcare provider to join the network by calling one of the four numbers below and ask the representative to contact the doctor or provider in question about joining the network.
- Medical health: 866-439-2042
- Vision Services: 866-642-9488
- Dental Services: 866-287-3419
- Behavioral Health: 866-218-8263
Q: What forms does the medical consenter need to take to the child's appointment?
A: There are three forms that providers in the STAR Health program are able to accept as proof that the child is enrolled in the STAR Health Program:
- Medicaid Card: If the caregiver has not received a child's Medicaid Card, the DFPS caseworker should contact the regional Eligibility Specialist for assistance, including assistance in obtaining a temporary Medicaid card (Form 1027A).
- STAR Health ID Card: Sent out by Superior HealthPlan Network after they receive information that a child has come into DFPS conservatorship, changed placements or selected a new Primary Care Provider (PCP). Replacement cards can be requested by calling STAR Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283.
- DFPS Form 2085-B, Designation of Medical Consenter: This form is provided by DFPS to caregivers at the time of a child's placement, and updated as needed if there is a change in designation of medical consent.
If the provider has additional questions regarding the child's eligibility to receive STAR Health services, the caregiver may call STAR Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283 while still at the provider's office. A representative from STAR Health will speak with the provider to resolve the situation.
Q: What should I do if my child’s current doctor refuses to see the child or schedule an appointment?
A: Call STAR Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283. STAR Health will research the situation and provide further direction. If the issue is not resolved in a timely manner, caregivers should contact their CPS Caseworker. DFPS staff should contact their regional Well-Being Specialist for assistance.
Q. What should I do if I receive a bill?
A. Immediately Call Star Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283 and provide them with the requested information.
Additional STAR Health Information and Training
See STAR Health website at www.fostercaretx.com
Key STAR Health phone numbers
| Organization |
Phone Number |
| Superior HealthPlan Network |
1-866-912-6283 |
| Cenpatico (Behavioral Health) |
1-866-218-8263 |
| Delta Dental (Dental Services) |
1-866-287-3419 |
| TVHP (Vision Services) |
1-866-642-8959 |
| NurseWise |
1-866-912-6283 |
| Medical Transportation Program |
1-877-633-8747 |
| Vendor Drug Program (Prescriptions) |
1-800-252-8263 |
Regional Well-being Specialists
Well-being specialists are DFPS liaisons to Superior HealthPlan, the company that operates the provider network for STAR Health, a Medicaid managed care healthcare program for children in DFPS conservatorship and young adults who have aged out of care. Contact your regional well-being specialist for help with STAR Health.
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