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How to Get a Breast Pump - and Other Maternity Products - At No Cost

05/27/2026

Parkland Community Health Plan members: did you know that new and expecting moms can get a free breast pump with a prescription from their provider? For breastfeeding moms, a breast pump can make life a little easier by helping you save time and store milk for when you need it. How can I order a breast pump? PCHP partners with several companies that offer breast pumps and other medical equipment. Once your provider gives you a prescription, you can contact one of these approved suppliers directly. (PCHP...
Member Benefits Spotlight: MTM Health

05/14/2026

Getting regular care is an important way to stay healthy. Parkland Community Health Plan offers several benefits and services that make it easier to access the care you need. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) NEMT benefits are available to all STAR members. Services include no-cost rides to and from the doctor, dentist, hospital, drugstore, or other Medicaid service providers. If you need a ride, PCHP may be able to help with: Public transportation, like the city bus. Money to buy gas. A taxi ...
Tired All the Time? Here's What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You.

05/05/2026

Have you ever woken up and felt worn out after a full night’s sleep? Do you drag yourself through the afternoon? When you’re juggling a lot—work, kids, and caring for others—sleep often gets pushed aside. But that comes at the cost of your health. Your mood, weight, and heart all need sleep to function well. What Actually Happens While You Sleep? Sleep is not just your body going quiet and still. It’s when your body heals, stores memories, and gives your heart a rest. There are three stages of sleep: de...
Texas Medicaid For Unemployment

04/24/2026

How —and Why—to Apply for Texas Medicaid After Losing Your Job Have you lost your job recently? If so, you may have lost your health insurance as well. While you’re searching for a new job – and a new health plan – one option to consider is Medicaid. What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a program for low-income individuals and families that offers healthcare insurance at no cost. All states offer some type of Medicaid program in partnership with the federal government. In Texas, the Medicaid insurance program ...
Blood Sugar and Exercise: What to Know

04/15/2026

If you have diabetes, exercise is one of the best things you can do to help manage it. Regular activity is great for supporting healthy blood sugar levels, improving heart health, and helping your body use insulin better. Are you planning to start exercising? If so, it’s important to check your blood sugar before – and during – your workout. For people who take insulin, exercise can sometimes cause blood sugar to drop too low. Signs of low blood sugar can include: shakiness weakness dizziness sweating h...
Know Your Family Health History. It Could Change Your Child's Care.

04/06/2026

Knowing your family's health history is a powerful way to protect your child. It helps you stay proactive about their well-being and helps your doctor catch potential issues early. Well-child checkups are an important part of your child's growth. They typically happen about once a year (children under age 3 usually have a checkup every few months). During these visits, your child's doctor will use your family's health history to look for growth problems, learning delays, and other health concerns. So, h...
Controller vs. Rescue Inhalers: What’s the Difference?

03/27/2026

If you or your child has asthma, your doctor may prescribe two types of inhalers . These are called controller inhalers and rescue inhalers . Both help with asthma, but they do different jobs . Knowing when to use each one can help you breathe easier and prevent asthma attacks. A quick way to know the difference Think of it this way: Controller inhaler = prevent problems Rescue inhaler = treat symptoms Both inhalers work best when you use them the right way. What is a controller inhaler? A controller in...
Watch Your Child Grow: Milestones from Ages 1 to 5

03/19/2026

Is your toddler saying their first words? Can they stack blocks or kick a ball? Watching your child learn and grow is exciting—and sometimes confusing. How do you know if they’re on track? At every well-child visit, your child’s doctor checks if they’re reaching key milestones . These are skills most children develop by certain ages, like walking, talking, and playing with others. Here’s what to look for from ages 1 to 5, along with simple ways you can help your child learn, grow, and have fun. On...
Are Your Kids Picky Eaters? Here's What to Do

03/04/2026

Does mealtime feel like a battle? Many parents face the same challenge. Your child refuses anything green. They turn down new foods. They only eat the same three meals. Picky eating is frustrating, but it doesn't have to last forever. Most children go through picky eating phases, and you can help your child try new foods and build healthy habits. Why Are Kids Picky? A study in the journal Pediatrics followed children ages 4 to 9 to understand why picky eating happens. The researchers found that habits k...
Keep Your Child Safe with These Important Vaccines

02/27/2026

In Texas, babies and children are encouraged to get several different vaccines to help protect them from serious disease. These vaccines are safe, effective ways to help your child stay healthy. See below for a list of common vaccines your child may receive.* Ask your child’s primary care provider (PCP) for a record when they get their shots. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your PCP. COVID-19 vaccine Protects against: COVID-19 , a contagious respiratory illness. Recommended for: Ev...
Take Control of Your Asthma This Winter

02/19/2026

When you have asthma, it can be hard to manage your symptoms during the winter months. Learning to recognize and prevent asthma triggers can help you breathe easier and keep your symptoms under control. What Are Asthma Triggers? Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, or chest tightness are often caused by something in the air that you breathe. These are called triggers. Triggers are different for every person. Common triggers include: Smoke from cigarettes, wood burning stoves, fi...
Are You Expecting? Add the Dentist to Your To-Do List.

02/13/2026

Are you pregnant or planning to get pregnant? Your dental health is more important than you might think – and it matters for both you and your baby. Many moms-to-be don't know that pregnancy can cause changes to their teeth and gums. The good news is that taking care of your mouth is safe during pregnancy. How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth and Gums When your body changes during pregnancy, so does your mouth. Your pregnancy hormones (progesterone and estrogen) can increase your risk for dental problems . ...
Get Easier Access Through PCHP's Member Portal

02/01/2026

Parkland Community Health Plan is excited to introduce our new and improved Member Portal . Members now have easier access to details about their coverage, including recent claims, ID cards, forms, member rewards, and more – all in one place, available 24/7. After logging in to the portal, visit your homepage for a quick look at the resources available to you as a member. From the My Health Plan menu, you can view a summary of your current benefits, learn about value-added services, and verify yo...
Dealing with Depression During Your Pregnancy

01/27/2026

Pregnancy is often seen as a happy, exciting time – but many people experience worry and stress in addition to the excitement. It’s completely normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed at times. But when sadness or anxiety starts to affect your daily life, or makes it hard to take care of yourself or others, it may be a sign of prenatal depression. Prenatal depression is common, affecting about 1 in 10 pregnant women. It’s important to recognize the signs and get help early—untreated depression during pregn...
Help for PCHP Members Affected by Severe Weather

01/20/2026

This weekend’s expected winter weather could cause problems across North Texas. If you are a member of Parkland Community Health Plan, there are services available to help you. Important Phone Numbers For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1. For information on evacuations, shelters, and recovery assistance, call 2-1-1. Call Member Services (available Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm) if you need to Get an emergency prescription refill. Replace necessary medical equipment, services, or supplies. Get a new copy ...
Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

01/16/2026

The start of a new year is the perfect time to make changes involving health and wellness. For many people, that means making resolutions—but developing new habits can be a challenge. Have you set any resolutions for the new year? If so, keep reading for ways to help make those resolutions stick. Make Your Goal Personal Start with a resolution that is important to you. You may find it easier to stick with a new habit when you believe the goal is meaningful. For example, losing weight is a co...
How to Choose a Medicaid Plan for Your Family

01/06/2026

You applied for Texas Medicaid. Your application was approved. And that’s great news! You are one step closer to better health for yourself and your family. But there are a few more steps you need to take. We’ve listed them here to help you get started. Open your information packet. Check your mailbox. Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) will send you a packet of information. Inside the packet, you’ll find out: if you are assigned to: STAR (State of Texas Access Reform), a Medicaid program that provi...
How to Stay Healthy After Giving Birth

12/19/2025

After your baby is born, the first days and weeks back home can be exhausting. It’s important to take extra-good care of yourself as you recover from childbirth. Your labor and delivery might be normal. However, you should watch for signs of infection, high blood pressure, and other symptoms. Otherwise, you could end up back in the hospital! Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the symptoms listed below. “Postpartum depression” feelings, such as: Extreme anxiety Lack of interest in things yo...
Top Medicaid Benefits for Children and Pregnant Women

12/17/2025

Is your child ready for eyeglasses? Texas Medicaid covers it. Do you need a pregnancy checkup? Texas Medicaid covers that, too. In fact, Medicaid has a long list of services to help you and your family stay healthy and well. Medicaid benefits include: dental care allergy medicine vaccinations (shots) birth control hearing tests rides to the doctor and more! Top Medicaid Benefits for Children Dental Care You should take your child to the dentist every six months, starting when they are 6 months old. Your...
Why You Should Talk to Your Teen About Chlamydia Stigmas

12/08/2025

It’s common to talk about “the birds and the bees” or puberty with your child. But it’s not as common to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including STIs like chlamydia. But according to Planned Parenthood of the Southwest, 15- to 24-year-olds account for 75% of chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnoses. This statistic makes it critical to talk about chlamydia with your child or teen – even if you don’t think they’re sexually active. Where Do Stigmas Come From? Negative stere...
Free Holiday Meals and Other Food Resources for 2025

10/27/2025

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27. If your budget is tight this year, plan now to enjoy one of the free holiday meals offered in communities throughout north Texas. We’ve included just a few of these events below. Be sure to use Google and social media to search for more community meals near you. Dallas and Fort Worth Feast of Sharing Bring the whole family to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Central Market/H-E-B Feast of Sharing in Dallas and Fort Worth. This free community event includes a holi...
You’ve applied for Medicaid or CHIP. Should you apply for the Marketplace, too?

10/17/2025

When you apply for Medicaid or CHIP, you might wait up to 45 days before learning if your application is approved. If you do not get approved, it’s good to have a backup plan. Getting coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace is one way to plan ahead. What is the Marketplace? The Marketplace is a website where you can shop and sign up for health insurance. It was created as part of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Plans cover doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital stay...
How ADHD Can Look Different in Boys and Girls

10/07/2025

Does your child have ADHD? They’re not alone. According to the CDC, 7 million US children between 3 and 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. This is likely due to the way the condition develops in boys vs. girls. ADHD can be harder to identify in girls; they tend to have fewer behavioral problems, and symptoms are less noticeable. While boys’ behavior may seem more disruptive, girls with ADHD may be seen as daydreaming or “off in the...
Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder: What You Need to Know

10/06/2025

Have you heard of opioids, but aren’t sure what they are or why people use them? Keep reading for a list of frequently asked questions about opioids and their potential risks. What are opioids? Opioids, also known as narcotics, are strong medicines that help treat moderate to severe pain. They are often used after surgery or for injuries, chronic headaches, or backaches. They include both prescription medications and illegal drugs (such as heroin). Common prescription medications containing op...
Get No-Cost Family Planning Services—and More—from Healthy Texas Women

09/25/2025

Are you a woman age 15 or older who needs birth control, family planning, postpartum, or other health care services? Healthy Texas Women can help. Managed by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), the Healthy Texas Women program offers these benefits to eligible women—at no cost. Who can apply for Healthy Texas Women? You can receive these benefits if you are a woman: Who does not have health insurance. Who is a resident of Texas. Between 18 to 44 years old. Between 15 to ...
Member Access to Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

09/19/2025

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. When someone has sickle cell disease, their red blood cells become hard and sticky. When they travel through small blood vessels, sickle cells get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other health problems such as infection and stroke. PCHP’s STAR (Medicaid) members with sickle cell disease now have access to a treatment called gene therapy, which can help improve their quality of life. The process usually ...
Texas Medicaid Renewal FAQs

09/15/2025

All Medicaid members must submit a renewal application every 12 months to continue receiving benefits. If you are receiving Texas Medicaid benefits, please respond promptly to requests from Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) to avoid a lapse in your coverage. ( Click here to learn how to update your contact information with Texas HHSC.) See below for some common questions and answers about Medicaid renewal. How do I know if I need to renew my Medicaid coverage? Be on the lookout...
How Psychotherapy Can Help Your Child or Teen

09/05/2025

Does your child or teen have a tough time controlling their emotions, making friends, or coping with life situations? If so, they’re not alone! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 children have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder and might benefit from psychotherapy. This type of therapy – which can be used instead of or in addition to medication – may be right for your child. What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy can help children and teens understand ...
Creating a Technology Plan for Your Family

08/29/2025

For most people, technology is an important part of daily life. While it can be helpful in many ways, there are also times when it can be harmful, especially for children and teens. As a parent, you want to make sure your child is staying safe online and making healthy choices about the time they spend on electronic devices. Looking for tips on how to manage technology use? Try the steps below to get started. Define “healthy” technology use for your family. Set limits on how long your child ca...
Easy Ways to Drink More Water

08/21/2025

During warmer times of the year, you might notice that you get thirsty more often. However, when you don’t have enough fluid in your body—also known as dehydration—you can feel many other symptoms besides thirst. Dehydration can lead to: headaches feeling weak or dizzy mental “fogginess” nausea constipation kidney stones urinary tract infections According to Harvard Medical School , water helps your body to: keep your blood pressure stable cool down on hot&nb...
Get Important Medicaid Updates through YourTexasBenefits.com

08/11/2025

Attention, PCHP members! If you have a STAR (Medicaid) or CHIP plan, it’s important to make sure that Texas Health & Human Services (HHSC) has your current contact information on file. If the information is not current, you will miss important updates regarding the expiration of your healthcare coverage. The best way to give them your current information is with a Your Texas Benefits (YTB) account – it’s easy to use and only takes a few minutes to set up. With your YTB account, you can: Up...
All About Asthma Spacers

07/31/2025

Do you or your child take asthma medications through an inhaler? If so, using an asthma spacer can make a big difference. A spacer is a device that allows the asthma medication to go directly into your lungs. It is placed on the mouthpiece of your inhaler and creates “space” between your mouth and the medicine, allowing you to breathe in the medicine more easily. Spacers allow the medicine to go into your lungs and airways instead of staying in your mouth and throat. Who should use a spacer? E...
PCHP Benefits Update: Changes to Behavioral Health Services

07/28/2025

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. That’s why PCHP gives members access to providers and resources that help them manage their mental health and get alcohol and drug use under control. On September 1, 2025, PCHP is changing the way your behavioral health services (services aimed at supporting mental health and substance use service needs) are managed. Your benefits aren’t changing. PCHP still has you covered! How will this change affect you...
Plan Now for Back to School Health Checkups, Vaccines—and More

07/18/2025

Moms and Dads—it’s time to get your child ready for back to school. Whether that means daycare, preschool, or K-12, Parkland STAR and CHIP plans can help! Your STAR or CHIP coverage offers: well-child checkups vaccines sports physical exams vision exams and eyeglasses dental checkups ADHD and behavioral health hearing tests and hearing aids Well-Child Checkups Babies and toddlers should see the doctor several times a year. After age three, most children will need a checkup only once a...
Redeem Your Parkland Rewards

07/08/2025

Redeem Your Parkland Rewards Points by August 31, 2025 If you have a Parkland Rewards account , be sure to redeem your 2024-2025 points before August 31, 2025. You can spend reward points on: games and toys infant care supplies children's clothing sports equipment fitness tools art sets health and beauty products kitchen and nutrition items and many other items from the rewards catalog gift cards Remember: You have to “use them or lose them.” ...
How to Apply for Medicaid and CHIP - Step by Step

06/24/2025

It’s a good idea to review your health insurance needs on a yearly basis. If you’ve had any major life changes recently, you may want to update your coverage. You might be pregnant and need help with doctor bills. Maybe you've lost your job—and your health insurance. Your employer might be raising the amount you have to “pitch in” for insurance, doctor visits or medication. If you want help with health care costs, help is here. You and your family might be able to receive free or low-cost health care th...
7 Ways to Prevent Summer “Brain Drain”

06/13/2025

Summer vacation is here again! It’s a time for kids to rest and relax after a busy school year – but it’s also a great chance to keep your child ready for the classroom. Students often experience “summer brain drain” during the long break from school. This can mean that they end up falling behind on important skills like reading and math. The good news is that summer brain drain can be prevented! Here are a few ways to make sure your child has a summer break that’s fun – and full of opportunities to lea...
How to Keep Your Child Safe in the Car

05/27/2025

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you know it’s important to keep your children safe. And when it comes to being safe on the road, having the right car seat is essential! What kind of car seat does my child need? Your child will need different types of car seats as they grow. If the seat is too large or too small, it may not offer enough protection. When your child reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer, they should move to the next type of car seat. Rear-facing car...
How Parkland’s Nurse-Family Partnership Can Help First-Time Moms

05/08/2025

Having a baby can be exciting – but for many new moms, it can be overwhelming, too. Are you expecting your first child? You may be unsure of what to expect or how to prepare for your new arrival. First-time moms who are PCHP members may be able to get extra support from our Nurse-Family Partnership program. Who can participate? The program is open to first-time moms who join before their 28th week of pregnancy. Moms can participate in the program until their child is 2 years old. How does it work? A nur...
Choosing a Medicaid Plan for Your Family

05/01/2025

You applied for Texas Medicaid. Your application was approved. And that’s great news. You are one step closer to better health for yourself and your family. But there are a few more steps you need to take. We’ve listed them here to help you get started right away. 1. Open your information packet. Check your mailbox. Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) will send a packet of information to you. Inside the packet, you’ll find out: If you are assigned to one of these programs: STAR &n...