Expanded access to care, support and resources
We are expanding your access to care, support and resources to help you navigate through this uncertain time. We are committed to making every effort to protect your health by keeping you safe in your home while still enabling you to get the right care.
Section 1135 Medicaid Waiver Approval
Current SNAP and Medicaid recipients will have their benefits renewed automatically. No further action is necessary at this time, and recipients will be notified by mail when it is time to renew their benefits. You do not need to call the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Costs are covered for COVID-19 tests and related visits
Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP) is waiving costs for COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing provided at approved locations in accordance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. We are waiving copays, coinsurance and deductibles for visits associated with COVID-19 testing at this time.
Free access to telehealth
We expanded access to telehealth to make it easier for you to connect with health care providers from the comfort and safety of your home. There are ways to access telehealth through services such as Teledoc and DocOnDemand.
To help keep going the care during the COVID-19 response, HHSC is authorizing providers to use telephone medical evaluation and management services delivered through October 23,2020. In addition, behavioral health services can be delivered by telephone through October 23,2020.
- Talk to your health care provider about telehealth: Telehealth access is expanded in response to COVID-19 to allow faster support and to reduce exposure to the virus. We are waiving member deductibles, copays and coinsurance for telehealth visits through our designated telehealth partners and COVID-19 testing related visits.
Early prescription refill
Eligible PCHP members who need an early prescription refill to ensure they have sufficient medication on hand may request one through Navitus Health Solutions. Consider your current supply, as well as near-term medication needs, to determine if you should refill early. Please visit the on-line pharmacy listing.
On March 19, 2020, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy authorized pharmacists in Texas to dispense up to a 30-day supply of medication (other than a schedule II-controlled substance) for patients in Texas in response to the state of disaster declaration for COVID-19.
Additional resources for our members
- Access your health plan: Sign in to your member portal to find network health care providers, understand benefits coverage, manage prescriptions and more.
- Call our 24-Hour Nurse Line: As a PCHP member, you can talk to a nurse when you have health questions. You can call the nurse line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service is provided at no additional cost to you. For members who are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the toll-free at 1-800-735-2989.
Parkland HEALTHfirst - Medicaid STAR - 1-888-667-7890 or 214-266-8773
Parkland KIDSfirst - CHIP/CHIP Perinate - 1-800-357-3162 or 214-266-8766
- Call PCHP Member Services: If you have health benefits questions or need help finding a health care provider, call the phone number on your PCHP member ID card.
Parkland HEALTHfirst - Medicaid STAR - 1-888-672-2277
Parkland KIDSfirst - CHIP/CHIP Perinate - 1-888-814-2352
The CDC remains your best resource for COVID-19
The COVID-19 situation continues to quickly evolve. Go to the CDC for the latest information on COVID-19, including how to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick.
If you think you might have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider right away. PCHP members can find a network health care provider by signing in to your member portal or by calling us using the phone number on your member ID card.
Parkland HEALTHfirst - Medicaid STAR - 1-888-672-2277
Parkland KIDSfirst - CHIP/CHIP Perinate - 1-888-814-2352
Frequently asked questions
Who is at a higher risk for COVID-19?
Older adults, as well as people with underlying long-lasting medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications with COVID-19.
I may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?
Call your primary care provider right away if you believe you might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing. PCHP members can find a network health care provider by using our interactive search tool.
Where do I get the COVID-19 test?
Call your primary care provider right away if you believe you might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
If your health care provider determines you should be tested for COVID-19 and orders the test, they should work with local and state health departments to coordinate testing. The most common place for testing is the health care provider’s office or clinic.
For the test, a health care provider will need to collect a specimen, which is a nasal or throat swab. Your test may be sent to a location approved in accordance with CDC guidelines. This may include a commercial laboratory, a local public health laboratory or the CDC.
Will PCHP cover the cost of COVID-19 care?
PCHP is waiving costs for COVID-19 testing provided at approved locations in accordance with the CDC guidelines. And we are waiving copays, coinsurance and deductibles for visits associated with COVID-19 testing at this time, whether the care is received in a health care provider’s office, an urgent care center or an emergency department. This coverage applies to Medicaid members.
Care or treatment for COVID-19 will be covered in accordance with your health benefits plan. Your deductibles, copays and coinsurance will apply.
When should I consider telehealth?
Telehealth provides access to health care providers from the comfort of your home, allowing faster support and reduced exposure to the virus.
If you believe you might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, call your primary care provider right away. Your provider may offer a telehealth option and determine if additional testing is needed. This COVID-19 testing related telehealth video-conferencing visit will be free of charge at this time.
Your primary care provider may also offer telehealth options for other medical care, in which case your deductibles, copays and coinsurance will apply.
If I have questions, can I call PCHP?
Yes. Our PCHP advocates are here to answer your COVID-19 health benefits questions, help you find a health care provider or connect you with a nurse. Just call the phone number on your member ID card.
Parkland HEALTHfirst - Medicaid STAR - 1-888-672-2277
Parkland KIDSfirst - CHIP/CHIP Perinate - 1-888-814-2352
