STAR Medicaid & CHIP
We put you first.
At FirstCare, our health plans were built in Texas and we’re a part of your community. We are focused on your needs because we’re your friends and neighbors and we’re going to work with you to help you stay healthy. For us, caring comes first.
We’re happy to provide you with the details of your health plan.
STAR Medicaid
STAR is a Medicaid program for low-income families, children, and pregnant women. STAR members receive Medicaid health care benefits, including Texas Health Steps (THSteps) medical and dental checkups.
CHIP
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a health plan for children 18 years and younger. CHIP is for families whose income is too high for Medicaid but they can't afford other insurance. CHIP covers health services like checkups, lab tests, x-rays, hospital stays, medicines, dental care and more.
Scrubbing In
A NEW alternative to Grow Well
We invite you to explore Scrubbing In, weekly wellness advice for all life stages, to help keep you and your family healthy and at your best.
NOTE: Scrubbing In offers a provider search tool that may not apply to your Medicaid coverage.
How do I access covered services?
What should I do if I have an emergency?
To access covered services, call FirstCare STAR Customer Service at 800-431-7798. If you are having an emergency and need immediate medical care, go to the nearest Emergency Room (ER) or call 911. If you do not have life threatening injuries or symptoms or do not need immediate medical care, call your PCP first. Your doctor can help you and give you advice.
Provider Relations
If you have provider-related inquiries, please contact our Provider Relations department:
You may also call the Provider Relations representative in your region, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays:
- Abilene area: 254-298-3064
- Amarillo area: 800-239-5650
- Lubbock area: 806-784-4380
- All other areas: 800-431-7737
When you fill out your Enrollment Form, list the PCP you have chosen. There is a space on the form for the name and provider number. Your PCP will be the doctor in charge of your health care. Visiting the same doctor for checkups and when you are sick can help your doctor keep an eye on your health.
For additional assistance with scheduling an appointment or finding a Provider, call FirstCare STAR Customer Service at 800-431-7798. Members with hearing loss can call the Relay Texas number 711. Relay Texas is a free telephone interpreting service to help people with hearing or speech disabilities.
Office of Inspector General (OIG) Website
Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the Inspector General
Specialty Providers Referrals
Referrals are needed to see most FirstCare specialty provider. A referral is an approval from your PCP for you to get specialty care and follow up treatment. If you receive services from a specialist without your PCP's referral, or if the specialist is not a FirstCare provider, you might be responsible for the bill. You can get some services without going to your PCP first. These include:
- 24-hour Emergency Care (if you feel you have a true medical emergency)
- Routine Vision Care
- Dental Services (for children)
- OB/GYN Care
- Family Planning Services and Supplies
- Behavioral (Mental) Health and Substance Abuse Services
- Texas Health Steps
For more information, call 800-431-STAR (7798) or 877-639-CHIP (2447).
Important Phone Numbers
Enrollment Broker
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays
Need a Ride? Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
If you are in crisis, you can call the NEMT Services line at 833-779-3105 24/7. You will not get a recording. Our staff is bilingual in English and Spanish. If you need, we can arrange for an interpreter to help you. If a medical condition is life threatening, members should go to the emergency room. If the medical condition is not life threatening you can seek care at an urgent care facility or get urgent medical care from your primary care provider (PCP) within 24 hours.