Update on Children's Health

Your Child Will Stay Covered

We provide access to pediatric services throughout seven counties in North Texas.

Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP) understands you may have questions about the recent announcement that Children’s Health facilities may be out-of-network for PCHP members starting June 1, 2026.

What This Means For You

While we continue to work toward a resolution, we assure you that your child’s benefits will not change, and your access to care remains safe and reliable, no matter what.

Remember, even after June 1, when you go to Children’s Health:

  • You will not pay higher out-of-pocket costs for care received at Children’s Health.
  • Your coverage for Medicaid and CHIP-covered services will remain the same as always.
  • Your claims may be considered out-of-network; however, they will still be covered by your health plan.
  • You cannot be balance-billed for out-of-network care.

PCHP will work with you to ensure:

  • Your child’s active course of treatment continues through at least 90 days after June 1.
  • Any previous authorizations you received for care at Children’s remain valid with PCHP. If Children’s Health cancels your child’s appointments or refuses to provide out-of-network services, contact PCHP Member Services at 1-888-672-2277 (TTY: 711).

You Do Not Need to Change Health Plans

You do not need to change your Medicaid or CHIP plan. You can keep PCHP as your child’s plan and still have access to a broad network of pediatric doctors, hospitals, and specialists.

Before making a decision to change health plans, keep in mind that switching plans may also affect some of your other doctors, your Service Coordination team, certain medications, prior authorizations, or other services.

We encourage you to contact PCHP so we can help you understand your care options. 

You Still Have Access to High-Quality Pediatric Care

PCHP continues to offer a broad, comprehensive network of pediatric providers, specialists, and hospitals across the seven counties PCHP serves in North Texas.

We also continue to provide access to specialty and subspecialty pediatric care across our network, including but not limited to:

  • Allergy/Immunology
  • Audiology
  • Behavioral health
  • Cardiology
  • Dermatology
  • Ear, Nose, Throat
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology
  • General surgery
  • Hematology/Oncology
  • Imaging
  • Maxillofacial surgery
  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Outpatient surgery
  • Pulmonology
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Renal/Kidney
  • Urology
 

If the service your child needs is not available in our network, your doctor and our care teams will work together to make sure your child gets medically necessary care in the right place at the right time, regardless of network status.   

Emergency Care is Always Available

In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room — no matter where it is. You are always covered for emergency services.

Bottom Line

You do not need to leave PCHP to continue receiving high-quality pediatric care.

Your coverage remains unchanged, your PCP and many pediatric specialists are still available, and we are here to help connect your child to the right care every step of the way.

We’re Here to Help You

We know changes like this can feel overwhelming. Contact us so that we may support you and your family.


View Member Notice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is changing?

Starting June 1, 2026, a select list of Children’s hospital (Children’s Medical Center Dallas and Children’s Medical Center Plano) and other facility locations will be out of network for Parkland Community Health Plan’s STAR and CHIP members.

Why is this happening?

Sometimes hospitals and health plans cannot agree on cost. While we may not always agree on costs, our priority is to protect our members and support access to high-quality care. We will continue working with Children’s to reach an agreement.

Where can I go now? Does this mean I have to stop going to Children's?

If your child is getting care at Children’s now, we can help you continue your treatment and care for up to 90 days after June 1, if needed. You will continue to have access to a wide network of providers in our network. You will still have your child’s PCP and/or specialist. If you would like to change, we can help you find a provider close to your home.

Which hospitals and facilities are affected by this?

Children’s Medical Center Dallas and Children’s Medical Center Plano are no longer in network as of June 1. Additionally, certain specialty and outpatient locations, pediatric imaging centers and Live Oak Surgery Center are out of network. List of locations.

There are specialty centers on the list of Terminating Facilities, yet specialties are still considered In-Network. What does that mean? 

It means your doctor (specialist) is still in-network, even if their office is located inside a specialty center that is no longer in the network. You can still see your specialist as usual, and that visit will be covered as an in-network service.

However, services provided by the specialty center itself — such as certain procedures, tests, or use of the facility—may be considered out-of-network. Even so, if the service is covered by your STAR or CHIP plan, you cannot be billed extra (balance-billed) by the specialty center.

What should I do if my child has an appointment scheduled after June 1? Can we still go?

Yes. All services approved by Parkland Community Health Plan prior to June 1 will continue to be honored for at least 90 days. After 90 days, your service coordinator can help with your child’s continuity of care or assist in scheduling with an in-network provider, if needed.

Will emergency care still be covered at Children's?

Yes. Emergency services are covered regardless of network status with Parkland Community Health Plan.

Will this affect my child's current treatment?

No. If your child is getting care at Children’s, they can keep getting it there for at least 90 days after June 1. Then, Parkland Community Health Plan will work with you and your child’s doctor to transition your child’s care to an in-network provider, if necessary, as appropriate for your child’s condition. We will make sure your child continues to get the treatment they need.


Will my child be forced to switch providers?

Not necessarily. Care may continue at Children’s for at least 90 days after June 1. Then, Parkland Community Health Plan will work with you and your child’s doctor to transition care to an in-network provider if possible. In some cases, your child may be allowed to continue care at Children’s. Your case will be reviewed with your doctor very carefully to make sure your child receives safe and effective care.

I’d like to change my child’s PCP or specialist. Can PCHP help with that?

Absolutely. Our provider directory is available online, and we are available to help you find high-quality, in-network providers close to your home.

Call our Member Services team for support at 1-888-672-2277 (TTY: 7-1-1), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Or use our provider search tool anytime: Find a provider.

What if my child needs access to Children's after the 90-day period?

Parkland Community Health Plan is here to support you and your child. We will discuss all options with you to ensure you receive the right care, at the right time, and at the right place.

Whom should I contact for help?

Call Member Services: 1-888-672-2277 (TTY: 711) Monday–Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Or send an email to our Member Advocates or Service Coordinators:
Member Advocates (for finding doctors or understanding benefits) PCHPMemberAdvocate@phhs.org

Service Coordinators (for continuing care at Children’s) PCHPUMCaseMangement@phhs.org