MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
Texas Medicaid: Access respite care benefit for STAR Kids
UnitedHealthcare·TX · Pediatrics·State news
Effective date
Sep 1, 2025
We identified it
Jun 13, 2026
Summary
Texas Medicaid STAR Kids members now have access to 8 hours of supervised respite care at in-network prescribed pediatric extended care centers (PPECC) during business hours. This benefit is limited to specific service areas (Harris, Jefferson, Hidalgo, MRSA Central, MRSA Northeast) and requires members to already have PPECC or private duty nursing services in their health plan.
Action Required
By September 1, 2025: Billing team should verify eligibility for STAR Kids members seeking respite care by calling Customer Service at 888-887-9003. Use the Referral Directory to locate in-network PPECC providers for eligible members in Harris, Jefferson, Hidalgo, MRSA Central, or MRSA Northeast service areas. This value-added service expires August 31, 2026.