Superior HealthPlan Invests $18 Million in Over-the-counter Items in 5 Years for Texas Members

Rhea-AI Summary

Superior HealthPlan, a subsidiary of Centene (NYSE: CNC), has announced a significant investment of $18 million in over-the-counter (OTC) items for Texas Medicaid and CHIP members from 2020 through 2024. The program provides eligible members with $25 or $30 quarterly allowances for essential OTC items.

The Value-added Services (VAS) program includes coverage for digestive health products, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. Additional benefits encompass $150 vision allowances for prescription eyewear, annual sports/school physicals with $35 reimbursement, and the Start Smart for Your Baby® program for pregnant members. The company serves members across all 254 Texas counties, with new VAS offerings planned for September 1, 2025.

The extra benefits are in addition to regular Medicaid and CHIP coverage, helping support low-income individuals and families.

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Superior HealthPlan ("Superior"), a leading managed care organization in Texas and a company of Centene (NYSE: CNC), announced today it invested $18 million in over-the-counter (OTC) items, a Value-added Service (VAS), for members enrolled in either Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from 2020 through 2024. Value-added Services are extra benefits that help provide additional support for low-income families and individuals across all 254 Texas counties.

"The extra benefits we provide our members are critical in supporting their overall health and well-being," said Mitch Wasden, CEO of Superior HealthPlan. "Over the years, we've learned how impactful these over-the-counter items can be to the families we serve, and we're proud to be able to help them fill this need."

As a Superior HealthPlan Value-added Service*, STAR, CHIP, STAR Kids, STAR Health, and some STAR+PLUS members can receive either $25 or $30 for commonly used OTC items every quarter, per member. These include hundreds of items, such as:

• Digestive health products
• Eye, ear, and oral care products
• Household cleaning supplies
• Personal hygiene products
• Sun care supplies

Over-the-counter items are just one of the many VAS offerings from Superior. Some members, depending on the program, may also receive:

• Extra vision benefits for Medicaid and CHIP members, including a $150 retail allowance toward select prescription eyeglass frames, lenses, or contact lenses not covered by Medicaid. For members enrolled in CHIP, STAR+PLUS, and STAR Health, this allowance is once every year. For STAR and STAR Kids members, the allowance is once every 2 years.
• Annual sports/school physicals for Medicaid and CHIP members 4 to 18 years old. This Value-added Service is restricted to one physical per year with a maximum reimbursement of $35. The sports physical must be provided by a contracted Superior provider.
• Superior's award-winning Start Smart for Your Baby® program for pregnant women offers educational materials and supplies for STAR, CHIP, STAR+PLUS, and STAR Kids members. Pregnant women can earn Value-added Services one time per pregnancy.

Value-added Services are updated annually, with new offerings planned for September 1, 2025. To see a list of available OTC items, visit SuperiorHealthPlan.com/OTC.

*Restrictions and limitations may apply.

About Superior HealthPlan
For more than 25 years, Superior HealthPlan has offered high-quality health care to Texans, and is now a leading managed care company providing services to 2 million people. Committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time, Superior supports active local involvement in all 254 Texas counties with 3,500 employees throughout the state. Since 2020, Superior has contributed $11.9 million in grants, sponsorships and employee giving, helping support low-income communities. Superior is a company of Centene, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, visit www.SuperiorHealthPlan.com.

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SOURCE Superior HealthPlan

FAQ

What is the value of Centene's (NYSE: CNC) OTC investment through Superior HealthPlan in Texas?

Superior HealthPlan invested $18 million in over-the-counter items for Texas Medicaid and CHIP members from 2020 through 2024.

How much do Superior HealthPlan members receive for OTC items?

Eligible members receive either $25 or $30 quarterly allowances for over-the-counter items, depending on their program enrollment.

What additional benefits does Superior HealthPlan offer besides OTC items?

Additional benefits include $150 vision allowances for eyewear, annual sports/school physicals with $35 reimbursement, and the Start Smart for Your Baby® program for pregnant members.

When will Superior HealthPlan update its Value-added Services?

Superior HealthPlan plans to introduce new Value-added Services offerings on September 1, 2025.

How many Texas counties does Superior HealthPlan serve?

Superior HealthPlan serves members across all 254 counties in Texas.