CHRISTUS Health launches new medicaid plan

Corpus Christi, TEXAS – December 9, 2011 – Texas Health and Human Services Commission has announced a new health care option, CHRISTUS Health Plan. The plan will be available on March 1, 2012 to current Medicaid (STAR) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) participants in the Nueces Service Area. CHRISTUS Health Plan provides assistance to uninsured families who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP.

“CHRISTUS Health Plan is pleased to now offer CHIP and STAR programs. The addition of these health insurance programs will provide peace of mind to Coastal Bend families,” said Anita Fluharty, Executive Director of the CHRISTUS Health Plan. “Our health plan includes CHRISTUS Spohn Health System’s extensive network, whose excellent resources over the years have provided invaluable healthcare to those women and children who need it most.”

Current Coastal Bend STAR and CHIP participants will begin receiving enrollment packages in mid-December detailing the new CHRISTUS Health Plan. This package will include information about the plan, how to participate, and how to start receiving its benefits. Eligible participants are encouraged to sign-up for the CHRISTUS Health Plan by February 10, 2012. Services will begin March 1, 2012.

“The population of uninsured Texans continues to grow every year,” said Fluharty. “STAR and CHIP assistance through the State of Texas is available to eligible Texans and CHRISTUS Health Plan is a new option to help them get the coverage they need and deserve.”

CHRISTUS Health Plan is available to families in the Coastal Bend area who participate in STAR or CHIP.

· STAR offers a wide range of free health services for pregnant women and children who qualify. There are no premiums or copayments for doctor visits, eye glasses or prescriptions.

· CHIP offers health care services for children under the age of 19 with little cost to their family. CHIP is for families who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but who cannot afford to buy private insurance for their children.

· It’s easy to apply for STAR or CHIP assistance. Go online at www.chipmedicaid.org or call 1-877-543-7669.

For more information about the new CHRISTUS Health Plan, please call 1-877-751-9551 or visit www.christushealthplan.org. The Nueces Service Area includes the following counties: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kennedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Victoria.

About CHRISTUS Spohn

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest not-for-profit health care system consisting of six hospital campuses - CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked as a leading health system in the area and has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services, and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves with commitment to providing effective health care services. For additional information, visit our website at www.christusspohn.org.