Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, OR Permit No. 86 El Paso Health PO Box 971100 El Paso, TX 79997-1100 Fall • 2025 Simple tips to stay safe at home Need help? Call your Service Coordinator if you have questions or need help making your home safer. We are here to support you. Your home should be a safe and comfortable place. As we get older, small changes around the house can help prevent accidents and keep you safe. Here are some easy ways to make your home safer: 1. Prevent falls. ■Use a cane or walker, if needed. ■Keep floors clear. Remove cords, rugs, or anything that can cause you to trip. ■Use nonslip mats in the tub or shower. ■Make sure your home has good lighting, especially on stairs and in hallways. 2. Stay safe in the kitchen. ■Don’t leave food cooking on the stove unattended. ■Keep items you use often on lower shelves so you don’t need to climb. ■Turn pot handles inward so you don’t knock them over. 3. Be ready for emergencies. ■Keep a phone near your bed. ■Have emergency numbers written in big letters by the phone. ■Tell someone if you live alone. Check in often with family or a neighbor.
2 resources Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with everything. Service Coordinator services can help make things easier for you. What is Service Coordination? A Service Coordinator is someone who helps you get the care and support you need. They work with you and your team of caregivers to make sure you get the right care. How can a Service Coordinator help you? 1. They can make a plan just for you. Your Service Coordinator listens to your needs and helps create a plan to make sure you get the right care. 2. They can help organize your care. They make sure your doctors and nurses work together to give you the best care. 3. They can help you find services you need. If you need help with things like food, rides to appointments, or support at home, your Service Coordinator can help connect you to those services. 4. They can explain benefits. Your Service Coordinator can help you understand your STAR+PLUS benefits and how to use them. How Service Coordinator services support you 5. They can help during big changes. If you leave the hospital or move to a new place, your Service Coordinator will help make sure everything goes smoothly. 6. They can teach you to stay healthy. They can give you tips and information to help you feel your best. Who can get services? Anyone who is in the STAR+PLUS program can get Service Coordination. We’re here to help you Whether you have a health condition, need extra support, or just want help staying healthy, your Service Coordinator is there to help.
3 wellness Project Bravo is an agency with programs and services that provide extra help for people with low income in the El Paso area. The services can help with utility bills, housing, and home repairs. For more information, you can call 915-562-4100. Seasonal heat can be dangerous. One serious risk is heat exhaustion. This happens when your body gets too hot and can’t cool down. Signs of heat exhaustion ■Heavy sweating. ■Weakness or feeling dizzy. ■Headache. ■Nausea or vomiting. ■Fast heartbeat. ■Cold, pale, or damp skin. If you notice these signs, it’s important to act fast. How to prevent heat exhaustion ■Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. ■Wear light, loose clothes. ■Take breaks in the shade or indoors. ■Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. ■Never leave kids or pets in cars. What to do if someone has heat exhaustion ■Move them to a cool place. ■Have them lie down and raise their legs. ■Give them cool water to drink. ■Place cool, wet cloths on their body. If they don’t feel better in 30 minutes or if they faint, throw up, or stop sweating—get medical help right away. Let’s all stay cool and safe! Stay safe in the heat
resources It’s OK to say no to services Did someone offer you a medical service you never asked for? Maybe they said, “This is part of your Medicaid,” or “You qualify for free help.” Even if it sounds good, it’s OK to say no— especially if your doctor didn’t mention it. Some people try to sign you up for things like home care, therapy, or supplies you don’t need. They might ask for your Medicaid number or bring papers for you to sign. You don’t have to agree. Take your time. Your doctor knows what care or equipment is right for you. If someone calls or shows up offering help you didn’t ask for, ask questions. If something feels off, it’s OK to say, “No, thank you.” Still unsure? Talk to your doctor or call El Paso Health first. How to protect yourself ■Don’t share your Medicaid number with people you don’t know. ■Don’t sign anything unless you’re sure what it means. ■If something feels wrong, say something. To report Medicaid fraud, call El Paso Health or the Texas OIG hotline at 1-800-436-6184. Your care matters. Saying no is your right. ABOUT YOUR HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of EL PASO HEALTH, 1145 Westmoreland Drive, El Paso, TX 79925, telephone 1-833-742-3127, website www.elpasohealth.com. Information in ABOUT YOUR HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health-care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. EPHSPM10472507-Fall 2025 Member Newsletter Nonmedical transportation services Star+Plus members can get help with transportation to medical or dental appointments. But did you know that you may also be able get transportation for nonmedical appointments as well? Examples of nonmedical appointments that you may get transportation help with are: ■Food pharmacy or food pantry. ■SSI or HHSC offices (to renew or apply for benefits). ■Educational (medical) classes. ■Offices that assist with payment of utilities or housing. ■Classes at the YMCA (like aquatic therapy), with a referral from your doctor. There may be some restrictions. Call El Paso Health at 1-833-742-3127 for more information or for questions regarding transportation assistance. Be sure to select option 2 twice to get the right department. Be sure to call us at least 2 business days before your appointment. If you call on the weekend or holidays, your transportation may not be approved. Thank you for choosing El Paso Health.
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