Star Medicaid is a joint program between the state and federal government that provides health insurance to children, pregnant women, parents, and other adults who meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. The program is designed to provide comprehensive health coverage, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and other essential health care services. Star Medicaid helps to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay.
STAR Kids
STAR Kids is a health insurance program for children in Texas. It is a Medicaid and CHIP program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to children up to the age of 19. STAR Kids also provides coverage for pregnant women, children with disabilities, and children who are adopted or in foster care.
Benefits of STAR Kids
- Covered Services: STAR Kids covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, vision care, dental care, and mental health services.
- No Premiums: There are no monthly premiums for STAR Kids.
- Low Copays: STAR Kids copays are very low, ranging from $0 to $5.
- Easy to Use: STAR Kids is easy to use. You can get a STAR Kids card from your doctor or local Medicaid office.
Eligibility for STAR Kids
To be eligible for STAR Kids, children must meet certain income and citizenship requirements.
Income Requirements:
- For children under age 19, the family income must be at or below 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
- For pregnant women, the family income must be at or below 185% of the FPL.
Citizenship Requirements:
- Children must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
- Pregnant women must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, or they must have a valid work visa.
How to Apply for STAR Kids
You can apply for STAR Kids online, by mail, or in person at your local Medicaid office.
- Online: You can apply for STAR Kids online at the Texas Health and Human Services website.
- By Mail: You can download a STAR Kids application form from the Texas Health and Human Services website and mail it to your local Medicaid office.
- In Person: You can go to your local Medicaid office and apply for STAR Kids in person.
Contact Information
For more information about STAR Kids, you can contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission at 1-877-541-7905.
STAR Medicaid is a healthcare program offered by states for those with low incomes and limited resources. It provides a range of medical benefits to help individuals receive the necessary care.
Services Provided by STAR Medicaid
- Medical Assistance:
- Regular checkups and preventive care
- Treatment for illnesses & injuries
- Prescription coverage
- Hospital & Inpatient Care:
- Hospital stays
- Emergency room services
- Surgery & other specialized procedures
- Mental Health Services:
- Counseling & therapy
- Psychiatric care
- Addiction treatment
- Vision & Dental Care:
- Eye exams
- Basic dental care
- Limited orthodontic services
- Long-Term Care:
- Nursing home care
- Home-based care
- Assisted living services
- Transportation Services:
- Rides to medical appointments
- Transportation for disabled individuals
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Immunizations | Vaccinations to prevent childhood diseases |
| Occupational Therapy | Rehab to recover from illnesses/injuries |
| Physical Therapy | Rehab to improve physical function |
| Speech Therapy | Services to improve speech & language skills |
STAR Health
STAR Health is a Medicaid program in Texas that provides health insurance to people who meet certain criteria. STAR Health includes several different programs, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. The most common STAR Health programs are:
- STAR Basic
- STAR Children
- STAR Plus
- STAR Health Managed Care
- STAR+PLUS
STAR Health is available to people who are:
- Pregnant women
- Children under the age of 19
- Adults with disabilities
- People over the age of 65
- People who meet certain income and asset limits
STAR Health benefits vary depending on the program. However, all STAR Health programs cover basic health care services, such as:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services
- Dental care
Eligibility Requirements for STAR Health
The eligibility requirements for STAR Health vary depending on the program. However, in general, to be eligible for STAR Health, you must be a Texas resident and meet certain income and asset limits. For example, to be eligible for STAR Basic, you must have an annual income that is less than 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). To be eligible for STAR Children, you must be under the age of 19 and have an annual income that is less than 200% of the FPL. To be eligible for STAR Plus, you must be over the age of 65 or have a disability and have an annual income that is less than 138% of the FPL. To be eligible for STAR Health Managed Care, you must be under the age of 21 or have a disability and have an annual income that is less than 150% of the FPL. To be eligible for STAR+PLUS, you must be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and have an annual income that is less than 150% of the FPL.
| STAR Health Program | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| STAR Basic | Annual income less than 138% of the FPL |
| STAR Children | Under age 19 and annual income less than 200% of the FPL |
| STAR Plus | Over age 65 or have a disability and annual income less than 138% of the FPL |
| STAR Health Managed Care | Under age 21 or have a disability and annual income less than 150% of the FPL |
| STAR+PLUS | Eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and annual income less than 150% of the FPL |
STAR Plus
STAR Plus is a Medicaid program that provides health coverage to children and adults with disabilities. It is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. STAR Plus covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health services.
- Who is eligible for STAR Plus?
- Children and adults with disabilities who meet certain income and asset limits.
- What services does STAR Plus cover?
- A wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health services.
- How do I apply for STAR Plus?
- You can apply for STAR Plus online or through your state’s Medicaid office.
STAR offers comprehensive benefits to help children and adults with disabilities live healthy, independent lives. The program covers a wide range of services, including:
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hearing aids
- Durable medical equipment
- Home health care
- Nursing home care
- Personal care services
- Transportation to medical appointments
| Age | Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 19 | 138% of the federal poverty level | $2,000 |
| Adults 19-64 | 100% of the federal poverty level | $2,000 |
| Adults 65 and older | 100% of the federal poverty level | $3,000 |
Thanks for sticking with me through this deep dive into Star Medicaid! I know it can be a lot to take in, but I hope you now have a better understanding of this important program. Remember, if you’re eligible for Star Medicaid, it’s a great way to get the healthcare coverage you need without breaking the bank. So, don’t wait! Apply today and start reaping the benefits. And if you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll do my best to answer them. In the meantime, be sure to check back for more informative articles like this one. Until next time, take care and stay healthy!