Driscoll Health Plan Medicaid Benefits 2026-2027: STAR, CHIP and Phone Numbers
Updated October 28, 2026. Driscoll Health Plan is a Texas Medicaid and CHIP health plan that serves 24 counties in the Nueces (Corpus Christi) and Rio Grande Valley areas through STAR, STAR Kids, CHIP and CHIP Perinatal. Driscoll Medicaid benefits include everything Texas Medicaid covers, plus value-added services for September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, such as checkup gift cards, adult dental up to $500 for STAR members 21 and older, OTC gift cards up to $100 and a 24/7 nurse line.
Quick answer: Call Driscoll Health Plan at 1-877-324-7543 (TTY 1-800-735-2989), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, or use the program line in the table below. To join or switch to Driscoll, call the Texas Medicaid and CHIP enrollment broker at 1-800-964-2777. Medicaid members can change plans at any time; CHIP members only in their first 90 days.
Driscoll Health Plan programs and service area
| Program | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| STAR | Medicaid for children, pregnant women and some adults |
| STAR Kids | Medicaid for children and young adults with disabilities |
| CHIP | Low-cost coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid |
| CHIP Perinatal | Prenatal care for pregnant women who can’t get Medicaid |
Driscoll says it serves “24 counties in both Nueces and the Rio Grande Valley.” Its 2022 community needs assessment lists these service-area counties:
- Nueces service area: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Victoria
- Hidalgo service area: Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, McMullen, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata
Driscoll lists CHIP phone lines only for the Nueces area, so check with the enrollment broker whether Driscoll CHIP is offered in your county.
Driscoll Health Plan phone numbers
| Program | Member Services | 24/7 Nurse Hotline |
|---|---|---|
| STAR, Nueces | 1-877-220-6376 | 1-833-532-0221 |
| STAR, Hidalgo | 1-855-425-3247 | 1-833-532-0231 |
| STAR Kids, Nueces | 1-844-508-4672 | 1-844-308-8701 |
| STAR Kids, Hidalgo | 1-844-508-4674 | 1-844-714-7887 |
| CHIP, Nueces | 1-877-451-5598 | 1-833-532-0223 |
Driscoll STAR value-added services, 2026-2027
Driscoll lists these extras for STAR members, “valid from September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027.” Most have conditions, such as age or completing a visit on time.
| Benefit | Amount or limit |
|---|---|
| Checkup gift cards | $20 |
| Prenatal visit gift card | $25 |
| Postpartum visit gift card | $50 |
| Flu shot gift card | $25 |
| Diabetic eye exam gift card | $25 |
| “Get Ready for Baby” shower | $100 |
| Adult and pregnant member dental (21+) | Up to $500 |
| Extra vision (ages 2-20) | $150 every two years |
| OTC gift cards | Up to $100 |
| Wellness program | $50 |
| Driver’s education | $75 |
| Triple P parenting program | Up to $60 |
| MDCP nursing home copay help | Up to $500 |
STAR members can also get a one-year SHIPT grocery delivery membership for a high-risk pregnancy, Boys & Girls Club access, sports physicals and rides for some social needs.
Driscoll CHIP value-added services
CHIP members get a similar list for the same period, without adult dental. CHIP adds a $50 OTC gift card for smoking or vaping cessation products (ages 13-18). CHIP rides for extra services are limited to the Nueces service area, “within 25 miles,” and must be booked 2 days ahead.
Transportation to medical appointments
Driscoll uses SafeRide Health for rides to covered medical appointments. Call 1-833-694-5881, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or book in SafeRide’s member portal. Driscoll asks for 48 hours’ notice for standard rides and 5 business days for long-distance trips, which can include meals and lodging. If a friend or family member drives you, they can be paid “the current federal mileage reimbursement rate.” Driscoll’s page also mentions shorter notice in some cases, so call ahead if your appointment is soon.
How to enroll or change to Driscoll Health Plan
- Apply for Texas Medicaid or CHIP through Your Texas Benefits.
- When you’re approved, choose a health plan through the Texas Medicaid and CHIP enrollment broker at 1-800-964-2777.
- Medicaid members can change plans “at any time.” CHIP members can change in the first 90 days, and CHIP Perinatal members in the first 120 days.
- Texas HHS says “changes take between 15 to 45 days.”
Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card and your Driscoll member ID card work together; see Medicaid benefits card for how to replace the state card.
Related Texas Medicaid guides
- Medicaid OTC benefits by plan
- Does MCNA Dental cover braces in Texas?
- Does Medicaid cover eye exams and glasses?
- Texas Healthy Women’s Medicaid coverage
- How to check your Medicaid status
Frequently asked questions
What does Driscoll Health Plan cover?
All Texas Medicaid or CHIP benefits, such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, checkups and behavioral health, plus Driscoll’s value-added services.
What is Driscoll Health Plan’s phone number?
The main line is 1-877-324-7543 (TTY 1-800-735-2989). Each program and area also has its own Member Services number, listed above.
Does Driscoll Health Plan cover adult dental?
Driscoll’s 2026-2027 STAR value-added services include up to $500 of dental for adults and pregnant members 21 and older.
Does Driscoll Health Plan give OTC benefits?
Yes, as gift cards: up to $100 in OTC gift cards for STAR, and a $50 OTC gift card for smoking or vaping cessation for CHIP members ages 13 to 18.
How do I switch to Driscoll Health Plan?
Call the Texas enrollment broker at 1-800-964-2777. Changes take 15 to 45 days.
Does Driscoll Health Plan provide rides?
Yes. Call SafeRide Health at 1-833-694-5881 at least 48 hours before a standard appointment.
This article is general information. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by Driscoll Health Plan, Texas HHSC or any U.S. government agency. Benefits can change; confirm with Driscoll Health Plan.
Sources
- Driscoll Health Plan: About us
- Driscoll Health Plan: Contact
- Driscoll Health Plan: STAR value-added services
- Driscoll Health Plan: CHIP value-added services
- Driscoll Health Plan: STAR Kids
- Driscoll Health Plan: Transportation
- Driscoll Health Plan: Community needs assessment (2022)
- Texas HHS: Choosing a health plan