Winter Weather Alert – Cold Weather Resources
A strong, arctic cold front is expected this week, beginning Tuesday, February 18, and lasting through Friday, February 21. It will affect Community First Health Plans’ Service Delivery Area, which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina,...Provider Update: Medicaid in Lieu of Services (ILOS)
In Lieu of Services (ILOS) are services that have been approved by Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) to be medically appropriate, clinically appropriate, and cost-effective substitutes for covered services under Texas Medicaid. Texas Medicaid...New Medicaid Behavioral Health Benefit: In Lieu of Services (ILOS)
Members of Community First STAR, STAR Kids, STAR+PLUS plans who are receiving or are prescribed treatment for behavioral health or substance use disorders, have the right to receive medically necessary in lieu of services (ILOS). You also have the right to decline...January 2025 Medicaid Preferred Drug List Update
The January 2025 Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) is now available. This latest update includes significant changes approved during the July and October 2024 Drug Utilization Review Board meetings. These updates impact formulary details, prior authorization...Payspan Portal Production Maintenance – Saturday, February 15, 5:00 P.M. (ET) through Sunday, February 16, 8:00 A.M. (ET)
Zelis® is utilizing a maintenance window for the Payspan Portal on Saturday February 15, 5:00 P.M. (ET) through Sunday, February 16, 8:00 A.M. (ET). Note: If the maintenance activities are completed before 8:00 A.M. (ET), we will end the maintenance early. The...Update: Pharmacy Provider Enrollment & Contact Information Must be Current in PEMS
Community First Health Plans reminds all pharmacy Providers that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) manages pharmacy enrollment operations through the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS). PEMS serves as the single platform for...
Social Media and Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know
Clinical Contributor to this story: Jessica Yao, M.D. Community First Chief Medical Officer Teens are spending almost 5 hours a day on social media. So, how is social media use affecting your child’s mental health and overall well-being? It’s an...
Abuelita Knows Best: Do Folk Remedies and Cures Really Work?
Clinical Contributor to this story: Jessica Yao, M.D. Community First Chief Medical Officer What do Vicks VapoRub, onions, potatoes, and honey have in common? People use them as home remedies for illnesses like the common cold, stomach bug, headaches, and more....