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MATERNITY AND INFANT HEALTH

Pregnant or Thinking of Becoming Pregnant?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is here to help. Your STAR plan includes benefits and programs that can help you through pregnancy and after your baby is born. Having a baby can be filled with new and unexpected experiences. Our plan can help you make the most of your maternity benefits.

STAR Maternity Benefits

What is Covered?

  • Doctor visits
  • Doula support
  • Family planning, education, counseling
  • Lab tests
  • After delivery care when medically necessary
  • Newborn exams

What is Not Covered?

  • Fertility treatments
  • Surgery to reverse sterilization
  • Birthing classes
  • Cosmetic surgeries 

Check your STAR Member Handbook to learn more about what your plan covers.

Note: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) previously extended its postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months for eligible women. The 12 months of postpartum coverage begins the month after a pregnancy has ended. Get answers to frequently asked questions about this HHSC extension. If you have questions, call our Customer Advocate Department at 1-888-657-6061 (TTY: 711).

Special Beginnings®  Program

Special Beginnings is a program to help you better understand and manage your pregnancy. We recommend you enroll as early as possible. That way you can take advantage of all the benefits of the program.  When you sign up for this program, you will get access to a Service Coordinator. Learn more about the program and other resources.

Who is Eligible for the Program?

You qualify for the program if:

  • You are enrolled in Medicaid. 
  • You are a STAR plan member who is pregnant or delivered a baby within the last 84 days.

How Do I Sign Up for Special Beginnings? 

Call the Special Beginnings helpline to get started. Our nurses will go through a quick health survey with you so we can better understand your care needs. You can also email us.

 

MEMBER RESOURCES

Program Incentives and Rewards

Find out ways to better understand and manage your pregnancy. Your plan includes access to programs and care, plus much more.

Learn More About Incentives and Rewards

Value-Added Services (VAS) for Pregnant Members 

Your plan offers VAS at no cost to you. Go to timely prenatal or post-partum doctor visits and you can earn rewards. Also access breastfeeding information and other resources.

Gift Card Rewards

Earn gift cards when you go to a prenatal or postpartum doctor visit. You can redeem gift cards through Wellness Rewards.

Bump2Baby360 Online Classes

Members can get online education and tools to support them at every stage of pregnancy. Access helpful information 24/7 from anywhere in many languages.

Learn More About Incentives and Rewards

MATERNITY BENEFITS

Health and Wellness Resources

Whether you’re planning a family or need help with your pregnancy, BCBSTX can help.

Family Planning Benefits

Your health plan gives you access to family planning services and supplies. We have a network of providers you can choose from for your care. Schedule an appointment. Then talk with your doctor about what is right for you. 

Learn more about family planning benefits. 

Living365® for Pregnancy and Postpartum 

The Virtual Heath Partners (VHP) app gives you the flexibility to chat with registered dieticians 24/7. You get access to nutrition info, recipes, fitness classes and more. You can have an online virtual appointment with a dietician. 

Learn how to get started.

Birthing Centers

Pregnant members can get covered services at a licensed birthing center. CHIP Perinate members (unborn child) only have this benefit for labor and delivery service. Service can be given by a doctor, certified nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant.

Search Provider Finder for Birthing Centers

In-Home Doula Support

Have you been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy? If so, you may be able to get in-home support from a doula. Doulas can offer physical, emotional, and educational support during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. Check What are the benefits of using doula services?  You must be enrolled in the Special Beginnings program. Call 1-888-421-7781 (TTY: 711) to learn more.

Well-Child Visits

Routine Checkups Give Babies a Healthy Start.  

All children should have a Well-Child checkup every year, but babies need extra care. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby has 6 well-child visits in their first 15 months of life. These visits are important to make sure your baby is growing and developing in the right way. Well-child visits are not for when your baby is ill. Your baby can’t tell you when something is wrong. Your child’s provider knows what to look for during these well-child visits. Call your baby’s provider to schedule a well-child visit. These visits are a covered benefit.

Transportation Services

You can get no-cost rides or mileage reimbursement to your medical appointments. This includes rides to and from the doctor’s office, a health care facility or a pharmacy. As a parent, you can bring your children with you on the ride. All rides must be approved. Learn about what is covered and how to book a ride.

Schedule a Ride
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CONTACT US

Need Help?

If you have questions about your STAR plan, we can help. To ask about what the plan covers, find a provider, change your PCP and more, just call us. We are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.

If you call after hours, please leave a message. We’ll call you back on the next business day. Members with hearing or speech loss can call the TTY/TDD line at 711.

Call 1-888-657-6061

Virtual Health Partners, Inc. is an independent company that has contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to provide digital nutrition programs for members with coverage through BCBSTX. BCBSTX makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third-party vendors and the products and services offered by them.