The Lone Star Circle of Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Texans

Introduction

The Lone Star Circle of Care is a state-funded program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income and uninsured Texans. The program is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and offers a variety of health plans, including managed care plans, fee-for-service plans, and prescription drug coverage.

Who is Eligible for Lone Star Circle of Care?

To be eligible for Lone Star Circle of Care, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Texas resident
• Be a US citizen or legal immigrant
• Meet income requirements (see below)
• Not be eligible for other health insurance coverage (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, or employer-sponsored insurance)

Income Requirements for Lone Star Circle of Care

The income requirements for Lone Star Circle of Care are based on the federal poverty level (FPL). To be eligible for the program, your household income must be at or below the following percentages of the FPL:

How to Apply for Lone Star Circle of Care

You can apply for Lone Star Circle of Care online at the HHSC website or by calling the HHSC Enrollment Services Center at 1-800-252-8204. You will need to provide information about your household income, family size, and health insurance status.

What Benefits Does Lone Star Circle of Care Offer?

Lone Star Circle of Care offers a variety of health benefits, including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health services
• Dental care
• Vision care

How Much Does Lone Star Circle of Care Cost?

The cost of Lone Star Circle of Care depends on your income and the type of health plan you choose. Some plans have monthly premiums, while others are free.

How to Find a Lone Star Circle of Care Provider

You can find a Lone Star Circle of Care provider in your area by visiting the HHSC website or calling the HHSC Enrollment Services Center.

Stories About the Lone Star Circle of Care

Here are a few stories about how the Lone Star Circle of Care has helped Texans get the health care they need:

• Maria is a single mother of two who works as a waitress. She was uninsured until she enrolled in Lone Star Circle of Care. A few months later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to the health insurance coverage she received through Lone Star Circle of Care, Maria was able to get the treatment she needed to beat cancer.
• John is a retired factory worker who lives on a fixed income. He was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago. Thanks to the prescription drug coverage he receives through Lone Star Circle of Care, John is able to afford the medication he needs to manage his diabetes.
• Sarah is a college student who was struggling to pay for her health insurance. She enrolled in Lone Star Circle of Care and now has access to the health care she needs to stay healthy.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

These stories show us that the Lone Star Circle of Care is making a difference in the lives of Texans. By providing health insurance coverage to low-income and uninsured Texans, the program is helping people get the health care they need to stay healthy and productive.

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Lone Star Circle of Care

Here are a few tips and tricks for getting the most out of Lone Star Circle of Care:

• Choose the right health plan for your needs. There are a variety of health plans available through Lone Star Circle of Care. Talk to your doctor or a health insurance agent to find the plan that's right for you.
• Use your benefits wisely. Lone Star Circle of Care offers a variety of benefits, including preventive care, doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Make sure you're using all of the benefits you're eligible for.
• Get regular checkups. The best way to stay healthy is to get regular checkups. Lone Star Circle of Care covers preventive care, so there's no excuse not to get the care you need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using Lone Star Circle of Care:

• Don't wait until you're sick to enroll. The best time to enroll in Lone Star Circle of Care is before you need it. That way, you'll be covered if you get sick or injured.
• Don't forget to renew your coverage. Lone Star Circle of Care coverage expires after a certain period of time. Make sure you renew your coverage before it expires to avoid losing your benefits.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you have any questions about Lone Star Circle of Care, don't be afraid to ask for help. You can call the HHSC Enrollment Services Center or visit the HHSC website for more information.

Call to Action

If you're a low-income or uninsured Texan, I encourage you to learn more about the Lone Star Circle of Care. The program could help you get the health insurance coverage you need to stay healthy and productive.

Tables

Table 1: Income Limits for Lone Star Circle of Care

Table 2: Health Benefits Offered by Lone Star Circle of Care

| Benefit |
|---|---|
| Doctor visits |
| Hospital stays |
| Prescription drugs |
| Mental health services |
| Dental care |
| Vision care |

Table 3: Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Lone Star Circle of Care

| Tip |
|---|---|
| Choose the right health plan for your needs. |
| Use your benefits wisely. |
| Get regular checkups. |
| Don't wait until you're sick to enroll. |
| Don't forget to renew your coverage. |
| Don't be afraid to ask for help. |