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.

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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.