New Website Connects Women to Health Services

The state has launched a new website, HealthyTexasWomen.com, a new one-stop hub created to help women find family planning programs and other state services. The new site, available in English and Spanish, connects women to programs for everything from general health care to breast and cervical cancer screening, pregnancy testing to prenatal care, and smoking cessation to mental health treatment.

Eat healthy. Save money.

Sometimes it’s hard to find time to plan meals or buy healthy foods on a budget. For help, check out our “Eat Healthy” web pages. These pages have tips for planning meals, shopping on a budget, and healthy recipes.

House Committee Hosts Dual Demonstration Briefing

The Texas House Committee on Human Services will host an information session for health care providers and stakeholders about the Texas dual eligible integrated care demonstration project. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer input in an informal setting. The briefing will take place at the Legislative Conference Center, State Capitol Extension, Level E2, from 1-4 p.m. November 20.

2016-2017 Budget Request and Consolidated Budget

HHSC has submitted its Legislative Appropriations Request for fiscal years 2016-17. The agency’s base request totals $58.8 billion. The agency also is seeking additional funding for cost growth in Medicaid and CHIP and to make some operational improvements.

The Consolidated Budget identifies the major funding issues affecting Texas’ health and human services agencies, highlights cost containment efforts, and examines provider rates. It also covers critical cross-agency needs, such as information technology systems, staff retention and wait list reduction.

State, Xerox Reach Agreement to Protect Client Data

On August 26, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) posted a notice to alert current and former Medicaid clients that Xerox, a company that worked on the Texas Medicaid program, still had files that contained protected information. HHSC sued Xerox to make sure the information remained secure. On September 16, the court signed an order protecting the information, and Xerox certified that the information was and continues to be safeguarded. With these assurances in places, HHSC believes there was a low risk that client information was compromised and that the information will be protected as the court case continues.

Savings Ideas Open for Voting

A list of money-saving ideas from health and human services employees is available for public vote. Our agencies are looking at the suggestions to see which ones are the most feasible. Tell us your favorites.

Nursing Home Transition to STAR+PLUS Moved to 2015

To allow more time to address stakeholder concerns, HHSC has postponed moving nursing facility residents into STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care to March 1, 2015. HHSC will continue working with stakeholders to ensure a successful transition. Visit the Expansion of Medicaid Managed Care for more information, including frequently asked questions, timelines and maps.

Health and Human Services System Strategic Plan

The latest strategic plan for the state’s health and human services system includes each agency’s goals for 2015-2019.

Who Do You Trust to Go With Your Child?

Parents or guardians who are not able to go with their children on rides to Medicaid-related visits to the doctor, dentist, or therapist must fill out a Parent Authorization Form (PDF) and send it in. The form identifies which adults are authorized by the parent to go with the child on rides to Medicaid-related health visits when the parent can’t make the trip. The adult selected by the parent cannot be a provider, an employee of the provider or paid by the provider. If you have questions or need a form sent to you, please call the Medical Transportation Program at 1-877-633-8747.

Remember, if you set up a ride through the Medical Transportation Program, the adult must be present when the child is picked up and dropped off. That person must show a photo ID to the driver and sign the driver's log.

Apply Online for Texas Women’s Health Program

The Texas Women’s Health Program provides low-income women with family planning services, related health screenings, and birth control. Women can now apply online at the Women’s Health Program website.

Information for grandparents raising grandkids

HHSC has a new booklet about the benefits available to grandparents raising their grandchildren. The booklet is available at HHSC benefit offices throughout the state and can be downloaded and printed using your computer. Download the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren brochure (PDF)

You can report suspected waste, fraud or abuse in health and human services programs to the HHSC Office of Inspector General online or by calling 800-436-6184. You may also make a report to the Texas State Auditor's Office by calling 800-TX-AUDIT.