Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) provides medically appropriate and cost-effective services in-lieu-of (in place of) mental health or substance use disorder services for STAR and STAR Kids members. These in-lieu-of services include: Approval is needed for these services for members aged 21 and over. You or your providers may ask for in-lieu-of services by calling […]
From May to August, the Health Plan continually partnered with local organizations all around South Texas to make backpacks and school supplies accessible to community members at no cost. This year, the Health Plan partnered with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, an NBA G-League, to bring a Back to School Expo for Edinburg, Texas, and […]
On October 7 & 8, Driscoll Health Plan partnered with Camp Aranzazu to bring a two day camp to Laredo for Health Plan members and the community. Camp Aranzazu staff welcomed campers and their families with their traditional “campfire” chants to get everybody excited and ready for the day. Campers learned about different kinds of […]
On Saturday October 28, Driscoll Health Plan partnered with Brownsville Police Department to host the Halloween Spook-Tacular Safety Bash at the Driscoll Specialty Clinic in Brownsville, Texas. The event was attended by over 500 people from the area and enjoyed various Halloween activities. Some of the activities included costume and pumpkin decorating contests, pony rides, […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency (PHE) and passed a law that allowed you to automatically keep your Medicaid coverage (continuous Medicaid). Based on new federal law, continuous Medicaid coverage ended on March 31, 2023, so you need to renew your benefits when it’s time to ensure […]
Connect with a community of women who share your journey. The Healthy Texas Women (HTW) program provides you with the resources you deserve to make family planning choices that resonate with your unique needs.
Zika is a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito or sexual contact with an infected partner. It can cause birth defects if a woman gets the virus during her pregnancy.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease. It is caused by a bacterium that usually affects the lungs. It can attack any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine and brain. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal.
Drug abuse can have a major impact on your teen’s life. Teenagers who experiment with drugs put their health and safety at risk. Help prevent drug abuse by talking to your teen about the consequences of using drugs and the importance of making healthy choices.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases that spread from person to person through intimate contact. STDs can affect males and females of all ages and backgrounds who are having sex. Awareness is the first step toward protection.
Non-suicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of hurting your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It’s not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, this type of self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration.
Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people see what’s real differently. It may cause hallucinations, delusions and extremely disordered thinking and behavior. Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia isn’t a split personality or multiple personality. The word “schizophrenia” does mean “split mind,” but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking.
Obesity is a buildup of body fat. It is measured by the height and weight of a child. A child is considered overweight if they have a BMI greater than 85th percentile and less than the 95th percentile of their weight. The treatment for obesity in a child involves a change in diet and exercise.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system and weakens the body. It may cause flu-like symptoms. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) develops when HIV has caused serious damage to the immune system and is a result of the continued infection. Equip yourself with knowledge to navigate the challenges of living with or supporting those with HIV and AIDS.
Eating disorders are serious conditions that impact a person’s overall well-being. They can keep you from functioning in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa (bulimia) and binge-eating disorder. Seeking help for members affected by these disorders is crucial to living a healthier and happier life.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes you to feel sad often. It can also be referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It changes how you feel, think and act and can lead to emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities and, sometimes, you may feel that life is too hard.
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health disorder that makes you think and feel differently about yourself and others. It can cause problems in everyday life. It can also cause unstable friendships, unreal self-image, heightened emotions and impulsivity. DHP hopes to reduce the stigma involved and offer help to members affected by this complex condition.
Bipolar disorder causes mood swings that include emotional highs and lows (depression). When you are depressed, you may feel sad, and things may not make you as happy as they once did. When your mood changes in the other direction, you may feel very happy and full of energy. Mood shifts can happen only a few times a year or as often as several times a week.
Autism is a spectrum of unique strengths and challenges. It makes it harder for a child to talk and interact with others. It may also include repeating the same behavior over and over again. Autistic children may not want to join activities. These issues cause a lot of trouble in social, work and other environments.
Anxiety is a natural part of life. It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time. However, too much anxiety and worry can cause issues with day-to-day activities. Recognizing the signs of generalized anxiety disorder and having the resources to manage this issue is critical.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition affecting millions of kids. It often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes problems such as having a hard time paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. We hope to give all members a chance to thrive.
On Saturday, June 3rd, Driscoll Health Plan and Fishing's Future joined forces to organize the inaugural "Hook It 2 Cook It" event in Hidalgo, Texas. The primary objective of this event was to provide families from South Texas with a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Participants, including both children and adults, had the opportunity to acquire essential […]
On Wednesday, May 31st, the Community Outreach Team of Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) organized a two-session "Lunch & Learn" event aimed at educating DHP staff about Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas. Kimberly Perez, the Branch Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, shared insightful statistics about the positive impact of having a mentor in […]
The Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics of South Texas Summer Games were held on Friday, May 19th, at Heroes Stadium inside Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, TX. The games took place over a 4 day spread where over 5,400 attendees, including Athletes, Unified Partners, coaches and volunteers competed in sports including soccer, cycling, tennis, […]
On Saturday, April 15, Driscoll Health Plan partnered with the Texas State Aquarium to host our annual Mermaid Ball, a dance for high school students with special needs. The event took place at the Texas State Aquarium with a tour of the Caribbean Journey exhibit, animal interactions and a “prom-like” dance party. Once the music […]
On Friday, April 7th, Driscoll Health Plan Outreach staff attended the Noche de Amor Gala, hosted by their newest community partner Esperanza de Tejas. The evening was filled with various community partners in attendance, great food, dancing and inspiring stories that brought happy tears to guests’ eyes. Esperanza de Tejas, Inc. is a nonprofit organization […]
On Saturday April 1, Driscoll Health Plan presented a check for $10,000 to The Right Start, formerly known as Summer Sports and Wellness Camp. The Right Start is a summer program for low-income children that is held at a nearby college/university campus. Their mission is to educate students in making healthy choices, staying active, school subjects such […]
Creating a unique learning experience for South Texas families. Driscoll Health Plan presented a $10,000 check to Texas Children in Nature Network (TCiNN) to create a Library Educational Adventure Pack (LEAP) program. The program will address health disparities through nature along with improving physical, behavioral and mental health of local children and their families. Children […]
Healthy eating is a team effort. On February 6, Driscoll Health Plan presented a $5,500 check to the Coastal Bend Food Bank’s Culinary Kits for Kids Program. The program will provide at-risk children and their families a weekly food kit with fresh, pre-portioned food items, cooking tools and follow along videos for recipes. This will […]
On Wednesday, January 25, Driscoll Health Plan and Bebo’s Angels partnered up to bring back Autism Risk & Management Training to the Brownsville Police Department after a three year hiatus. This police department was one of the first stations to request this type of curriculum training. Over 40 off-duty police officers came in eager to […]
Driscoll Health Plan and Bebo’s Angels partnered up to bring back Autism Risk & Management Training to the Brownsville Police Department after a three year hiatus.
Beginning May 31, 2022, HHSC will stop using the Texas Medicaid Standing Order for Mosquito Repellent. Pharmacies must obtain a prescription from a Medicaid-enrolled prescribing provider to dispense mosquito repellent beginning June 1, 2022, for Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Healthy Texas Women (HTW). HHSC has extended the effective date of the current standing […]
Driscoll Health Plan, in partnership with the County of Hidalgo and the County of Cameron, Texas, held two ribbon cutting ceremonies on September 16th and 17th, to announce the establishment of the Health Education and Literacy Program (HEAL)- Community Connection Center and the Cameron Community Connection Center. Both Centers will offer health education at no […]
CORPUS CHRISTI – Driscoll Health Plan is sponsoring its second annual Mother’s Day Community Resource Fair, an event where mothers, moms-to-be and families can relax and enjoy a fun Saturday morning. The fair will be held Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., inside the Recreation Center at First Baptist Church, 3115 Ocean […]
CORPUS CHRISTI – Driscoll Health Plan is sponsoring its second annual Mother’s Day Community Resource Fair, an event where mothers, moms-to-be and families can relax and enjoy a fun Saturday morning. The fair will be held Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., inside the Recreation Center at First Baptist Church, 3115 Ocean […]
CORPUS CHRISTI – Karl Serrao, MD, FAAP, FCCM, has been named the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Driscoll Health Plan. Dr. Serrao has served as Associate Medical Director for the Driscoll Health Plan STAR Kids program since its inception in 2016. STAR Kids serves children and young adults with special needs. In his new role, […]
CORPUS CHRISTI – Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MSHCA, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Driscoll Health System. Dr. Peterson has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Driscoll Health Plan since 2006, where she has overseen tremendous growth in membership, services and improving population health in South […]
AUSTIN—Beginning Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, mosquito repellent for the prevention of Zika virus became a continuous, year-round benefit for Texas Medicaid and CHIP. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers the repellent to ensure additional Texans are protected from the virus that can be devastating to unborn babies. Benefit details Covered programs - Medicaid, CHIP […]
With influenza continuing to be widespread throughout Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people to take precautions to avoid getting and spreading the disease. The state health commissioner, Dr. John Hellerstedt, filmed two short messages encouraging everyone 6 months old and older to get vaccinated and stressing the importance of good hygiene. […]
The Texas Department of State Health Services encourages everyone 6 months old and older to get vaccinated now to protect themselves from getting the flu. “The flu vaccine causes your body to make antibodies to fight influenza, but it takes about two weeks for this to happen. So, it’s important to get the flu vaccine […]
March of Dimes and Driscoll Health Plan are raising awareness to help give every baby a fighting chance. Throughout November — Prematurity Awareness Month — March of Dimes draws attention to the lifesaving research, treatments and community support made possible when we work together to give every baby a fighting chance. March of Dimes and […]
AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services announced Monday it will add an extra day for victims of Hurricane Harvey to apply for disaster food relief in Nueces County. Nueces County residents who have not yet applied will have another opportunity to apply for D-SNAP from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Sunrise […]
AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services announced today that it will roll out disaster food relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey to residents in seven additional counties. Texas will offer D-SNAP to residents in Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Nueces, Polk, Refugio and San Patricio counties, starting Sept. 18 or 19, in addition to the 11 […]
The Texas Department of State Health Services is expanding its effort to control mosquitoes after Hurricane Harvey and will begin aerial mosquito spraying over Harris County Thursday night. Aerial mosquito control by state contractor Clarke and the U.S. Air Force Reserve requested through FEMA started last week. They have been working in areas prioritized based […]
Texas Health and Human Services announced today that it will begin offering disaster food relief, commonly known as D-SNAP, for victims of Hurricane Harvey starting Wednesday. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides short-term food benefits for eligible families recovering from a disaster. D-SNAP is available to eligible people who are residents of one of […]
Texas today announced it is providing a surge of food benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in the 58 counties included in the State Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Harvey. SNAP recipients in the affected counties will see their September benefits automatically loaded today, Sept. 1, onto their Lone Star Cards. Normally benefits are staggered […]
The Texas Department of State Health Services is issuing the following health precautions for people experiencing flooding and power outages in Southeast Texas and beginning recovery from Hurricane Harvey along the middle Texas coast. People should follow all local drinking water safety notices and throw out food that may have spoiled or been contaminated. Because […]
Estimado Miembro: El huracán Harvey se encuentra en el Golfo de México. Se espera para el viernes por la noche o el sábado por la mañana en la costa de tejas. Las condiciones de tormenta podrían comenzar temprano en la mañana del viernes; Según el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. El Servicio Meteorológico dice que podría […]
A spike in illnesses caused by the parasite Cyclospora in June and July is prompting the Texas Department of State Health Services to ask health care providers to be on guard for the illness, pursue testing, and report cases to their local health department. Within the past month, 68 cases have been reported in the […]
The annual Community Baby Shower is this Friday! Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) and its partners are working to help end premature births and support prenatal education. CLICK HERE to hear Sam Caceres, an Outreach and Health Education Specialist with DHP, talk about the event. You can help donate baby items, too. You can drop off diapers, baby […]
AUSTIN—Starting May 1, Texas will begin providing this year’s statewide Medicaid benefit for mosquito repellent to prevent Zika virus transmission. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is offering the repellent to more Medicaid clients to ensure additional Texans are protected from the virus that can be devastating to unborn babies. For the first time […]
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced today that it is reinstating the Medicaid benefit for mosquito repellent due to the first reported case of Zika virus disease likely transmitted by a mosquito in Texas. Texas quickly made the decision to bring back the benefit, which had ended Oct. 31, given the possibility […]
The International Association of HealthCare Professionals is pleased to welcome Fredrick A. McCurdy, MD, PhD, MBA, FAAP, FACPE, Pediatric Nephrologist, to their prestigious organization with his upcoming publication in The Leading Physicians of the World. Dr. Fredrick A. McCurdy is a highly trained and qualified physician with an extensive expertise in all facets of his […]
Driscoll Health Plan opens new offices in five cities to serve children with disabilities and their families LAREDO — Driscoll Health Plan is enrolling thousands of South Texas children into its STAR Kids program, a new Texas Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with special needs. The program launched Nov. 1, and Driscoll Health […]
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reminding pregnant women who cross the border with Mexico that Zika testing is available to them and encourages them to discuss testing with their health care providers. Under current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Zika testing is recommended for any pregnant woman who has traveled […]
Medicaid clients can now view an electronic image of their Medicaid ID Card from their mobile device. All Medicaid offices must accept the electronic card if the client doesn't have the Your Texas Benefits plastic card on hand. Medicaid always recommends checking eligibility before the date of service. Providers should ask for additional identification if they […]
Four Driscoll Health System employees have been selected for leadership positions in the local association of case managers. Heather Pigott, senior director of Health Services, Driscoll Health Plan, was elected president of the Texas Riviera Association of Case Managers (TRACM), an organization which fosters quality case management through promotion and adherence to case management standards. […]
CORPUS CHRISTI – Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MSHCA, FACHE, President and CEO of Driscoll Health Plan, has been awarded the 2015 Texas Pediatric Society’s Distinguished Service Award. The award, which was presented on October 3 at the Texas Pediatric Society annual luncheon in Sugar Land, recognizes a non-member pediatrician, non-pediatric physician, allied healthcare provider or […]
CORPUS CHRISTI — Pediatrician Fred McCurdy, MD, PhD, MBA, CPE, FAAP, FACPE, has been named as medical director for the Driscoll Health Plan’s STAR Kids program, which is the first Medicaid managed care program created specifically for children and youth with disabilities. As medical director, McCurdy will work with the health plan’s chief medical officer […]
CORPUS CHRISTI — The Driscoll Health Plan continues to build its reputation in South Texas with its recent selection by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission as a Managed Care Organization (MCO) in the STAR Kids program, which is the first Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with disabilities. When the program […]
CORPUS CHRISTI – Diabetes is an ongoing and growing cause for concern across South Texas. To help those affected by the disease, Driscoll Health Plan, the Texas Area Health Education Centers and the Victoria Regional Health Alliance have partnered to offer an educational event called the Crossroads Diabetes Expo. On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Crossroads […]
CORPUS CHRISTI – Anesthesiologist Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MSHCA, chief executive officer of Driscoll Health Plan, was recently re-elected assistant treasurer of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). The ASA is a 50,000-member, educational research and scientific association of physicians organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve […]
VICTORIA – Diabetes is an ongoing and growing cause for concern across South Texas. To help those affected by the disease, Driscoll Health Plan, the Victoria Regional Health Alliance and the Area Health Education Center are partnering to offer traveling Diabetes Expos. The kick-off event, the Crossroads Diabetes Expo, will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, […]
WHAT: At tomorrow’s 48th annual Nueces County Medical Society Health Fair, Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) will offer an obstacle course and photo booth for children to enjoy in the children’s area. DHP has been a friend of the family in Nueces County and surrounding counties since 1997. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. […]
LAREDO – Just in time for the coming school year, Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) is sponsoring a free Back to School Fair for the general public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Uni-Trade Stadium. Numerous organizations have joined to offer services, information and products to parents and children at the event. […]
WHAT: Driscoll Health Plan is joining the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings, the City of Brownsville Parks & Recreation Department and Healthy Communities of Brownsville to sponsor a free summer baseball clinic for children ages 5 through high school. The clinic will feature baseball instruction in all areas of offense, defense, pitching and catching. Each player […]
EDINBURG – Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) is sponsoring “At the Ballpark,” a series of member appreciation nights, during the Edinburg Roadrunners games June 25, July 11 and Aug. 2 at Roadrunner Field. Perks for members include: Discounted tickets VIP suite First pitch honors “Our members are important to us and a night ‘At the Ballpark’ […]
HARLINGEN – Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) is sponsoring Kids’ Day for member families during Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings games on June 10, June 25, July 21 and Aug. 13 at Harlingen Field. Perks for families include: Free admission for children 17 and under Discounted tickets Private meet & greet with the team before the games […]
LAREDO – Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) is sponsoring “At the Ballpark,” a member appreciation event, during the Laredo Lemurs games June 9 and July 14 at Uni-Trade Stadium. Perks for members include: Discounted tickets Team autographs On-field appearance First pitch honors “Our members are important to us and a night ‘At the Ballpark’ is our […]
WHAT: Driscoll Health Plan is offering its members a $2 discount on tickets to this Sunday’s Laredo Lemurs game and Christian music concert at Uni-Trade Stadium. Point of Grace, a Christian music band, is scheduled to perform immediately following the game against the Kansas City T-Bones. WHEN: 3:16 p.m. Sunday, June 2 WHERE: Uni-Trade Stadium, […]
LAREDO – Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas and representatives from the Laredo Chamber of Commerce will join officials from Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) tomorrow as they celebrate the opening of their new Laredo office at 1705 Del Mar Blvd. The 1,245-square-foot office will be used by DHP to conduct provider relations, community outreach and, later, social […]
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – For most people, finding a medical care provider and making doctor’s appointments is as easy as picking up a cell phone. But for some Medicaid-eligible individuals and families, access to cell phones – and quick communication with healthcare providers – may be difficult or impossible. Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) strives to […]
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Motherhood is a big job, and helping mothers and their babies stay healthy in South Texas is a big focus of Driscoll Health Plan (DHP). For example, DHP encourages moms to stay on track with Texas Health Steps – a roadmap to healthy living for mothers and newborns – by offering […]
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Since its expansion last year, Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) has become firmly rooted in the 10-county Hidalgo Service Delivery Area (SDA), with 51,628 Medicaid members enrolled to date. DHP opened a new office in Edinburg in January and is the only non-profit, provider-sponsored plan in the Hidalgo SDA, which includes the […]
