UPDATED 9/3/2025: This news post has been edited to reflect updated guidance from HHSC. The information below applies to all Texas Medicaid clients impacted by the 2025 Texas flooding regardless of whether the clients are permanent residents of a declared disaster county. This guidance is effective from July 2, 2025, through Sept. 29, 2025.
Community First Health Plans Members affected by the 2025 Texas flooding now have more time to renew certain prior authorizations (PAs) for health services. Approvals for services (i.e., personal care, nursing, or therapy) set to end between July 2 and September 29, 2025, may be eligible for a 90-day extension.
This updated guidance now applies to all Texas Medicaid Members impacted by the 2025 Texas flooding, regardless of whether the Member is a permanent resident of a declared disaster county.
Eligible services include:
- Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
- Personal Care Services (PCS)
- Community First Choice (CFC)
- Private Duty Nursing
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
- Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS)
What’s not included:
- One-time services (like a single ambulance ride)
- Pharmacy requests
- Nursing home services
- New service requests (only renewals are included)
Who qualifies?
- This extension applies to Community First STAR, STAR Kids, STAR+PLUS, and CHIP Members.
- This extension is not automatic.
- Members or their providers must submit a request and indicate that it is flood-related for the extension to be considered.
Need help?
If you need help or have questions about this notice, please call Community First Health Plans Member Services at:
- STAR/CHIP: 1-800-434-2347
- STAR Kids/STAR+PLUS: 1-855-607-7827