Texas Medicaid is called STAR, STAR+PLUS, or STAR Kids depending on your situation

In Texas, Medicaid goes by different names depending on which program you fall into. The state's main Medicaid managed care program is called STAR (State of Texas Assessment, Reimbursement, and Treatment). If you are pregnant, a parent, or a caregiver for a child, you land in STAR. If you are disabled or over 65, Texas calls its program STAR+PLUS. If your child has special health care needs, the program is STAR Kids. All three are Medicaid — Texas just uses these names instead of saying "Medicaid" on enrollment forms and ID cards.

The reason for the names is that Texas contracts with private insurance companies to run Medicaid rather than running it directly. Each company manages a regional service area, so your STAR card might come from Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, or another insurer depending on where you live. The coverage is the same statewide — the name change is just how Texas branded its program when it moved to managed care in the 1990s.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas Medicaid is called STAR for parents and pregnant people, STAR+PLUS for disabled and elderly people, and STAR Kids for children with special health care needs.
  • All three programs are run by private insurance companies under contract with the state, so your ID card will show an insurer's name, not "Medicaid."
  • Your may be able to access and coverage do not change based on which program name you are in — the names reflect only how Texas organized its Medicaid system.
  • You can find which program you belong in and which insurer serves your area through the Texas Health and Human Services website or by calling 211.

How the three Texas Medicaid programs differ

STAR covers parents, caretakers, and pregnant people with low income. If you are a parent receiving cash information or your household income is below the state limit, you enroll in STAR. The program covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive services. You choose a primary care doctor from your plan's network, and that doctor coordinates your care.

STAR+PLUS is for people who are blind, disabled, or 65 and older. This program includes everything STAR covers, plus long-term services like nursing home care, home health, and personal care information. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are likely in STAR+PLUS, though income limits still explore.

STAR Kids covers children under 19 who have disabilities or chronic conditions. The program includes medical care, mental health services, therapy, and care coordination to help families navigate the system. A care coordinator is assigned to each child to help arrange services and answer questions.

Which insurer runs your plan depends on your zip code

Texas divides the state into service regions, and each region is served by one or more private insurers. When you enroll in STAR, STAR+PLUS, or STAR Kids, you are assigned to whichever company serves your area — you do not choose. Your ID card will show that company's name, not the word "Medicaid." Common insurers include Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Molina Healthcare, and Centene.

The insurer's name on your card can be confusing because it looks like private insurance, but the coverage and cost-sharing rules are the same as traditional Medicaid. You pay nothing for preventive care, and copays for other services are low or zero. The insurer is straightforward the middleman between you and the state.

If you move to a different region, you may be switched to a different insurer. The Texas Health and Human Services website shows which insurers serve each zip code, or you can call 211 to find out which company manages your plan.

Your coverage stays the same regardless of the program name

Whether your card says STAR, STAR+PLUS, or STAR Kids, the benefits are determined by Texas and federal Medicaid rules, not by the private insurer. All three programs cover doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care like vaccines and screenings. Copays are the same across all programs — usually zero for preventive services and a few dollars for other visits.

The main difference in coverage is that STAR+PLUS includes long-term care services that the other programs do not. If you are in STAR or STAR Kids and later become disabled or turn 65, you can switch to STAR+PLUS and gain access to those services. The switch happens automatically when you meet the age or disability requirement, or you can request it through your local Health and Human Services office.

How to find out which program you are in

Your Medicaid ID card will show the program name and the insurer's name. If you have a STAR card, it says STAR. If it says STAR+PLUS or STAR Kids, that is your program. You can also log into your account on the Texas Health and Human Services website, call the customer service number on the back of your card, or call 211 and ask which program you are enrolled in.

If you are not yet enrolled and want to know which program you would fall into, use the Texas Health and Human Services website to check your income against the current limits for your household size. The limits change each year, so it is worth checking even if you were denied in the past. You can also call 211 and describe your situation — they can tell you which program you would be in and how to move forward.

What to do if your card shows a company name instead of Medicaid

Many people are confused when their Medicaid card shows Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, or another insurer instead of the word "Medicaid." This is normal in Texas. The insurer is your plan administrator, but you are still on Medicaid. The coverage, copays, and rules are all Medicaid rules — the insurer just processes claims and manages the network of doctors.

When you call to ask questions about your coverage, you can call either the customer service number on your card (the insurer) or the Texas Health and Human Services hotline at 211. Both can answer questions about your benefits. If you need to change doctors or find a specialist, use the insurer's website or call their number to search the network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is STAR the same as Medicaid?

Yes. STAR is Texas's name for its Medicaid program. It is Medicaid coverage run through a private insurance company. The benefits, copays, and rules are all Medicaid rules — the name is just how Texas branded the program.

Can I choose which insurer runs my STAR plan?

No. Your insurer is assigned based on your zip code. Each region of Texas is served by one or more companies, and you are placed with whichever one covers your area. If you move, you may be switched to a different insurer.

What if I do not know which program I am in?

Check your Medicaid ID card — it will say STAR, STAR+PLUS, or STAR Kids. You can also call 211 or log into the Texas Health and Human Services website. Both can tell you which program you are enrolled in and answer questions about your coverage.

Do I pay more because my card shows a private insurance company?

No. Your copays and coverage are the same as traditional Medicaid. The private insurer is the administrator, but the state sets all the rules and benefits. You pay nothing for preventive care and low copays for other services.

What happens if I move to another state?

Your Texas Medicaid coverage ends when you move. You will need to explore for Medicaid in your new state. Each state has its own program name and rules, so contact the health department or Medicaid office in your new state to learn how to enroll.