Articles

Keyword Search

Search by Title

Results 1 - 40 of 202

1 2 3 4 5 6

How to Choose a Medicaid Plan for Your Family

01/06/2026

You applied for Texas Medicaid. Your application was approved. And that鈥檚 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鈥檝e 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鈥檒l 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鈥檚 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. 鈥淧ostpartum depression鈥� 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鈥檚 common to talk about 鈥渢he birds and the bees鈥� or puberty with your child. But it鈥檚 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 鈥� even if you don鈥檛 think they鈥檙e 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鈥檝e 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鈥檝e 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鈥檚 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鈥檙e 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鈥� behavior may seem more disruptive, girls with ADHD may be seen as daydreaming or 鈥渙ff in the...
Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder: What You Need to Know

10/06/2025

Have you heard of opioids, but aren鈥檛 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鈥攁nd More鈥攆rom 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鈥攁t 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鈥檚 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 in...
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鈥檙e 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 鈥� which can be used instead of or in addition to medication 鈥� 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 鈥渉ealthy鈥� 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鈥檛 have enough fluid in your body鈥攁lso known as dehydration鈥攜ou can feel many other symptoms besides thirst. Dehydration can lead to: headaches feeling weak or dizzy mental 鈥渇ogginess鈥� 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鈥檚 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 鈥� it鈥檚 easy to use and only takes a few minutes to set up. With your YTB account, you can: Upda...
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 鈥渟pace鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 changing. PCHP still has you covered! How will this change affect you...
Plan Now for Back to School Health Checkups, Vaccines鈥攁nd More

07/18/2025

Moms and Dads鈥攊t鈥檚 time to get your child ready for back to school. Whether that means daycare, preschool, or K-12, 最新糖心Vlog STAR Medicaid and CHIP plans can help! Your STAR Medicaid 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 最新糖心Vlog Rewards

07/08/2025

Redeem Your 最新糖心Vlog Rewards Points by August 31, 2025 If you have a 最新糖心Vlog 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 鈥渦se them or lose them.鈥� ...
How to Apply for Medicaid and CHIP - Step by Step

06/24/2025

It鈥檚 a good idea to review your health insurance needs on a yearly basis. If you鈥檝e 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鈥攁nd your health insurance. Your employer might be raising the amount you have to 鈥減itch in鈥� 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 鈥淏rain Drain鈥�

06/13/2025

Summer vacation is here again! It鈥檚 a time for kids to rest and relax after a busy school year 鈥� but it鈥檚 also a great chance to keep your child ready for the classroom. Students often experience 鈥渟ummer brain drain鈥� 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鈥檚 fun 鈥� and full of opportunities to lea...
How to Keep Your Child Safe in the Car

05/27/2025

If you鈥檙e a parent or caregiver, you know it鈥檚 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鈥檚 manufacturer, they should move to the next type of car seat. Rear-facing car...
How 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 Nurse-Family Partnership Can Help First-Time Moms

05/08/2025

Having a baby can be exciting 鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檝e 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鈥檒l find out: If you are assigned to one of these programs: STAR (State of Texas Access...
Take Your Asthma Medication Regularly. It Can Improve 鈥� or Even Save 鈥� Your Life.

04/23/2025

Do you have trouble remembering to take your asthma medication? You鈥檙e not alone! Many people with asthma struggle to take their medication 鈥� but you shouldn鈥檛 give up. Not taking your medicine can lead to some serious consequences. Frequent and severe asthma attacks. If you aren鈥檛 taking your medications, you may experience more frequent and severe asthma attacks. You may have more frequent shortness of breath, disrupted sleep, and wheezing on a daily basis. Increased use of rescue medications. If you ...
Keep Your Child Safe with These Important Vaccines

04/18/2025

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鈥檚 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: Eve...
Black Maternal Health Week: Working to Prevent Preterm Births

04/09/2025

Black Maternal Health Week is April 11鈥�17 鈥� which makes it a good time to focus on access to prenatal and postpartum care for this important group of mothers. (PCHP is hosting a Baby Shower on April 12 鈥� learn more or sign up here !) The Facts About Black Maternal Health Unfortunately, American women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women in other high-income nations. In 2023, there were 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. In addition, 1 in 9 Texas children is born prematurely....
7 Tips for Breastfeeding Success

03/27/2025

Breastfeeding is an important way to help your baby start life on a healthy note. Breastmilk includes nutrients and antibodies that help reduce the baby鈥檚 risk of illness 鈥� including ear infections, breathing problems, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and sudden unexplained death in infancy, also known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastmilk is also easier for babies to digest, which can help prevent diarrhea and other stomach problems. Breastfeeding is good for moms, too! It helps burn calories, w...
Free Meals鈥攁nd More!鈥攆or Pregnant Members

03/17/2025

When you鈥檙e expecting a baby, eating nutritious food is an important way to stay strong and healthy. If you need some help with your food budget, we have good news. There are many food-related resources available to pregnant women and families in North Texas. Keep reading to learn about just a few! Free Meal Service for 最新糖心Vlog Community Health Plan Members Are you pregnant and a member of STAR Medicaid or CHIP/CHIP Perinate? If yes, you can receive one free family-style meal each month. Each meal feed...
Kid-Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

03/10/2025

March is National Nutrition Month, which makes it a great time to think about healthy dishes for your family to enjoy! Check out these recipe ideas from 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 executive chef, Adam Schloemer: Turkey Taco Stuffed Poblano Peppers Servings: 6 Serving Size: 2 halves Ingredients : 6 poblano peppers 1 lb. ground turkey 1 small onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 packet taco seasoning 陆 cup water 1 (15 oz.) can black beans 陆 cup frozen corn kernels 1 (16 oz.) jar of salsa 录 cup chopped cilantro 3 oz. co...
What to Know About Measles Signs and Symptoms

03/03/2025

You may have heard recent news reports about a measles outbreak in Texas. Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to keep from getting the measles. If you haven鈥檛 gotten the vaccine yet, it鈥檚 important to be aware of potential symptoms. There is no specific treatment for measles. Vaccination is the only way to prevent the disease. If you think you or your child has been exposed to someone with the measles, call your doctor or clinic right away to find out if you need to be tested or if you can be vaccin...
How to Get Help During a Mental Health Crisis

02/28/2025

If you need immediate help, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. Feeling suicidal? Call the 9-8-8 Lifeline. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, it鈥檚 important to get help as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to plan ahead so you鈥檒l know what to do in an emergency. See below for some resources to help you get prepared and respond quickly when needed. Local and National Behavioral Health Resources Carelon Behavioral Health Services Get connected to counseling and...
Worried About Measles? Make Sure Your Child Gets the MMR Vaccine.

02/24/2025

You may have seen recent news reports about measles outbreaks in Texas and other states. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through the air. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and red, watery eyes. Measles can cause serious complications 鈥� including pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) 鈥� in babies, children under age 5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best ...
How to Follow Your Diabetes Care Schedule

02/21/2025

You can help prevent most diabetes complications from developing if you take care of your diabetes. Use this list to stay on schedule with your diabetes management. Your primary care doctor or your diabetes care team may recommend a different schedule or different goals. If so, please follow their advice for your personal diabetes care schedule. Every Day: Blood sugar checks Foot check If you have cuts, redness, swelling, corns, calluses, or changes in your skin or nails, contact your doctor immediately...
Potty Training Tips

02/12/2025

Is your child ready for potty training? It鈥檚 an exciting time. It鈥檚 also a major step in their growth from infancy to young childhood. Potty training can also be a time of frustration and 鈥渢wo steps forward, one step back.鈥� The move from diapers to using a child-sized toilet can take three to six months or more. If you start potty training too early, the entire process can take even longer. (Staying dry overnight is unrelated to toilet training. If your child is unable to stay dry overnight and is at le...
All About Pyx Health

02/05/2025

Have you been through a major health event recently, like being pregnant or having a medical or mental health emergency? You may be feeling stressed 鈥� especially if you don鈥檛 have family or friends nearby to help. Whether you鈥檙e pregnant, a new mom, recovering from a trip to the emergency room, or experiencing stress and loneliness, everyone can use a little extra support. That鈥檚 why 最新糖心Vlog Community Health Plan is happy to offer the free Pyx Health program to our members age 18 and older. A Helpful, ...
Texas Medicaid FAQ

02/04/2025

Texas Medicaid FAQ: Everything you need to know about applying for Medicaid in Texas Taking care of your physical and mental health is important. Health insurance helps many people stay healthy by making their care more affordable. If you don鈥檛 have insurance, you might worry about how you will pay for doctor visits if you or your children get sick. If you have insurance at work, you might wonder how you will afford insurance if you lose your job or if your hours are cut. The good news is you might be a...
Member Benefits Spotlight: Breast Pumps for New Moms

01/27/2025

Are you a new or expecting mom? If so, you may have heard about the benefits of breastfeeding . Breast milk is a good source of nutrition and can help build your baby鈥檚 immune system. It has health benefits for mothers, too 鈥� moms who breastfeed can reduce their risk of high blood pressure, breast cancer, and other diseases. A breast pump can be a helpful tool for new moms who are breastfeeding. It allows you to collect your breast milk at any time of day and store it for later use. If you are a member ...
Foods to Eat for Diabetes, Celiac, Asthma鈥攁nd More

01/21/2025

You probably already know the basics of a healthy diet. Those guidelines include eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and limiting added sugars and highly processed foods. During cold and flu season, you might take a few extra steps to boost your wellness. Adding foods rich in vitamin C (citrus, berries, bell peppers, tomatoes), vitamin D (fatty fish, eggs, milk), beta carotene (sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach) and zinc (beef, seafood, beans, nuts, tofu) can help to boost your immune system, befo...
Learn More About Your Asthma Triggers

01/13/2025

What is an asthma trigger? Anything that causes your asthma symptoms to flare up. Knowing your asthma triggers is important 鈥� if you or your child can avoid those specific triggers that make your asthma worse, you鈥檒l have an easier time managing your condition. Each person鈥檚 asthma triggers can be unique. If you are able to understand your specific triggers, then you and your doctor can develop a targeted plan of action that addresses your needs. Learn more about how to create asthma action plans . It m...