Superior HealthPlan Invests $18 Million in Over-the-Counter Items to Support Health Needs of Medicaid and CHIP Members Across Texas
Superior HealthPlan, a leading managed care organization in Texas and a subsidiary of Centene Corporation , has announced a major milestone in its long-standing commitment to improving community health outcomes. From 2020 through 2024, the company has invested $18 million in over-the-counter (OTC) items as part of its Value-added Services (VAS) program for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members throughout the state.
This investment underscores Superior HealthPlan’s dedication to providing not only access to medical care but also essential support tools that promote preventive care and everyday wellness. These extra services aim to enhance the quality of life for members, especially low-income families and individuals, by covering the costs of vital health and hygiene items often not included in traditional medical plans.
Investing in Everyday Essentials
Superior’s $18 million investment in OTC products covers a wide range of essential, non-prescription items such as digestive aids, eye and ear care products, personal hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, oral care tools, and sun protection products. These items, while not prescription-based, are essential for maintaining basic health and hygiene, especially for vulnerable populations who may otherwise be unable to afford them.
This initiative is part of a broader VAS strategy designed to provide added health-related benefits beyond the standard Medicaid and CHIP offerings. These services support day-to-day wellness and help reduce long-term healthcare costs by promoting early intervention and preventive care.
Mitch Wasden, CEO of Superior HealthPlan, emphasized the importance of these benefits in addressing real-world health needs:
The extra benefits we provide our members are critical in supporting their overall health and well-being. 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.
Who Is Eligible?
The OTC benefits are available to members enrolled in various programs offered by Superior HealthPlan, including:
- STAR: Texas Medicaid managed care program for low-income families, children, and pregnant women.
- CHIP: The Children’s Health Insurance Program for children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
- STAR Kids: A program for children and young adults (age 20 and younger) who have disabilities.
- STAR Health: Designed for children in the Texas foster care system.
- STAR+PLUS: A managed care program for adults with disabilities or aged 65 and older who qualify for Medicaid.
Under the VAS OTC program, eligible members can receive a quarterly allowance of either $25 or $30—depending on the program—which can be used to purchase hundreds of OTC items. These funds are provided per member and reset every three months, ensuring a regular and predictable benefit for those in need.
Comprehensive Value-added Services
The OTC program is just one component of Superior’s extensive suite of Value-added Services. These services are reviewed and updated on an annual basis and are specifically designed to target the health and lifestyle needs of members who often face socioeconomic barriers to care.
In addition to OTC benefits, the following VAS offerings are also provided:
1. Enhanced Vision Coverage
Many Medicaid and CHIP members receive extra vision benefits not typically covered by traditional Medicaid. Eligible individuals can access a $150 retail allowance to help pay for prescription eyeglass frames, lenses, or contact lenses.
- For CHIP, STAR+PLUS, and STAR Health members, the allowance is available once every year.
- For STAR and STAR Kids members, the benefit can be accessed once every two years.
These services are crucial for school-aged children, seniors, and working adults, who may experience difficulty affording vision correction otherwise.
2. Annual Sports and School Physicals
Children aged 4 to 18 enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP can receive one sports or school physical each year through this VAS. The service is reimbursed up to $35 and must be conducted by a contracted provider within the Superior network.
This benefit promotes physical fitness and academic readiness by ensuring that children are healthy enough to participate in school and extracurricular activities. It also serves as an important opportunity to catch early signs of health issues.
3. Start Smart for Your Baby®
Superior HealthPlan’s award-winning Start Smart for Your Baby® program supports pregnant women and new mothers across several managed care programs, including STAR, CHIP, STAR+PLUS, and STAR Kids. The program offers:
- Educational resources about pregnancy, birth, and infant care
- Access to prenatal and postnatal supplies
- Opportunities to earn additional Value-added Services during pregnancy
This initiative supports healthier pregnancies and improved outcomes for both mothers and babies by encouraging regular prenatal care and promoting awareness of maternal health resources.
Geographic Reach and Accessibility
Superior HealthPlan’s services extend across all 254 counties in Texas, ensuring no member is left behind due to geographic limitations. Whether in major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, or Austin, or in rural counties with limited access to healthcare infrastructure, Superior’s VAS program aims to bridge healthcare gaps through accessible, non-clinical support.
To access these benefits, members can visit the official Superior HealthPlan website at where a complete list of eligible OTC items and ordering instructions is available. In most cases, members can place orders by phone or online, and items are shipped directly to their homes—further removing barriers to access.
