Fall • 2026 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, OR Permit No. 86 El Paso Health PO Box 971100 El Paso, TX 79997-1100 Your STAR+PLUS services help you stay healthy and safe at home. Most caregivers work hard and do the right thing. But sometimes, people try to take advantage of the system. They may bill for hours they did not work, and that takes away money meant for real care. You can help protect your benefits with a few simple steps: ■Use approved agencies. Only let workers from an El Paso Health-approved agency provide your care. ■Sign only real hours. If a worker misses a visit, do not sign their time sheet. This rule applies even if the worker is a friend or family member. ■Hospital days don’t count. If you are in the hospital, your worker cannot bill for those hours. ■Watch the clock-in. Caregivers must clock in and out on their phone app for every visit. ■Track your visits. Write down your care days in a notebook so you can match them to the hours you approve. Keep your STAR+PLUS benefits safe If something feels wrong, speak up If someone asks you to break the rules, please report it. Call El Paso Health at 1-866-356-8395 or the Texas Hotline at 1-800-436-6184. You can stay anonymous, and your benefits will not be harmed.
2 resources The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Senior Adult Program offers free classes for adults 55 years and older. It is a great way to learn new skills, meet friends, and stay active! A useful class provided by EPCC is the “Essential Digital Skills for Everyday Life” course. This class helps senior adults learn how to use technology with confidence. Students learn how to use smartphones, tablets, and computers. They also learn how to browse the internet, send emails, and use online tools safely. Learning these simple tech skills helps seniors stay independent. It allows them to talk with family, handle daily tasks, and stay connected to their community. EPCC is a welcoming place to learn and grow at any age. Stay safe this season: Stop falls Falls happen a lot. But you can stop many of them. Follow these steps to stay safe: ■Wear shoes with good grip. ■Keep floors clear of cords, boxes, and loose rugs. ■Turn on lights before you walk, especially at night. ■Hold the handrail on stairs. ■Stay active if your doctor says it is safe. Walking helps your strength and balance. ■Talk to your doctor if you feel dizzy, feel weak, or fall. Your doctor can check your health and your medicines to lower your risk. Small changes help a lot. Staying safe can help you stay active and independent. Free classes for senior adults For more information, call 915-831-7801 or visit www.epcc.edu/ academics/continuingeducation/senior-adult-program.
3 wellness Healthy Rewards changed Sept. 1 It is that time of year again when our Healthy Rewards are updated with new services and rewards. Your 2025–2026 rewards ended Aug. 31. Our new rewards started Sept. 1 and change every September. There are some conditions and limitations. To see what you may qualify for, view our rewards flyers on our website: www.elpasohealth.com/ starplus/healthy-rewards. You can call Member Services with any questions you have regarding your rewards at 1-833-742-3127. Thank you for being the best part of El Paso Health! Testing for cervical cancer matters Getting tested for cervical cancer is an important part of staying healthy. Two tests can help find problems early or help prevent cervical cancer. 1. HPV test. This test checks for HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a virus that can cause changes in the cells in the cervix. 2. Pap test (Pap smear). This test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix that could turn into cancer if they are not treated. When should you get tested? Ages 21 to 29: ■Get your first Pap test at age 21. ■Have a Pap test every 3 years. Ages 30 to 65: ■Have an HPV test every 5 years, or ■Have an HPV / Pap test every 5 years, or ■Have a Pap test every 3 years. Ages 65 and older: ■Talk with your doctor to see if you still need cervical cancer screening. Some people no longer need testing. Where can you get tested? You can get an HPV test or a Pap test at your doctor’s office, at a health clinic, at a community health center, or from your OB‑GYN (women’s health doctor). You can always find a list of doctors at www.elpasohealth.com/starplus.
resources 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. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. EPHSPM11402608-Fall 2026 Member Newsletter See your doctor to get medical equipment Medical equipment can help you stay safe and make daily life easier. It can also help you stay more independent. Medical equipment may include a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, hospital bed, oxygen equipment, or diabetes supplies. If you think you need medical equipment, schedule a visit with your doctor. Your doctor will check your health and talk with you about your needs. If medical equipment is right for you, your doctor can write a prescription and provide the medical information needed to request it. A doctor’s visit is an important first step. Without it, there may not be enough medical information for your request. This can delay getting the equipment you need. Even if you have used medical equipment before, your doctor may need to see you again. Your health needs can change over time. A new visit helps your doctor decide what equipment is best for you now. You can help prevent delays by: ■ Keeping your doctor appointments. ■Telling your doctor about any changes in your health. ■Calling your doctor’s office if you need to change or reschedule an appointment. If you have questions or need help finding a doctor, contact your Service Coordinator or Member Services. They can answer your questions and help you understand your benefits. Seeing your doctor is the first step to getting the right medical equipment at the right time.
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