Texas STAR+PLUS service area changes

Overview

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has announced changes to the STAR+PLUS Medicaid contracts, beginning September 1, 2024, and is sending letters to notify their beneficiaries. Letters inform the impacted beneficiary that their current health plan will no longer be offered and that they will need to choose one of the carriers listed by September 1. If they do not, HHSC will select one for them.

The changes impact some service areas where Wellpoint offers Medicare Advantage Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), and our members may receive one of the HHSC letters.

The changes impact the member’s Medicaid health plan only. Enrollment in their D-SNP plan with Wellpoint will not change.

Frequently asked questions

Will D-SNP members be disenrolled from their plan on September 1?

No. Enrollment in a D-SNP with Wellpoint will not be impacted, even in counties where Wellpoint does not have a Medicaid plan.

Medicare Advantage D-SNP plans are separate from the Medicaid plan and cover different benefits. If the member receives a letter and selects a different carrier for their Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS benefits, their D-SNP enrollment will not change.

Which of Wellpoint’s D-SNP service areas will receive the HHSC letter?

Members in the Houston (Harris), San Antonio (Bexar), Fort Worth (Tarrant), El Paso, and Austin (Travis) regions may receive a letter informing them about changes to the availability of their Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS plan.

What will a D-SNP member need to do to keep their D-SNP plan? 

The member will not need to do anything to retain enrollment in their D-SNP plan with Wellpoint. The HHSC letter and STAR+PLUS plan selection will not change the member’s Medicare Advantage D-SNP plan enrollment.

If the member receives an HHSC letter, the member should review their STAR+PLUS plan options and select a plan, following the instructions provided by HHSC. If they do not, HHSC will select a new STAR+PLUS plan for them. 

Will Wellpoint’s Medicaid plan service areas change? 

Yes. Our Medicaid plan service areas will change September 1, 2024. While some service areas will no longer be available, we will have plans in Jefferson, Lubbock, Nueces, and West Texas. Nueces will be a new service area for Medicaid.

Summary of managed care service areas with Wellpoint