Winter • 2026 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, OR Permit No. 86 El Paso Health PO Box 971100 El Paso, TX 79997-1100 Flu season is here, and protecting yourself and your family is very important. The flu is caused by a virus that spreads easily when people cough, sneeze, or touch things like door handles. Anyone can get the flu, but children, older adults, and people with health problems are at higher risk of getting very sick. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to stay safe. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting your flu shot every year. The vaccine cannot give you the flu, and it helps your body fight off the virus if you are exposed. Even if you still get sick, your symptoms are usually much milder. You can also stop the spread of germs by washing your hands often with soap and water. Try not to touch your face, and always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you feel sick, it is best to stay home so you do not pass the flu to others. If you or a family member has a fever, body aches, sore throat, or a bad cough, talk to your doctor. Early treatment can help you feel better faster. Stay healthy this flu season Let’s all do our part to keep our community healthy this flu season!
2 resources A Service Coordinator is someone who helps people find the services they need. They give support, advice, and guidance to people who need help with health care and other needs. This can include housing, food, and medical care. Service Coordinators work with hospitals, insurance companies, nonprofit groups, and community centers. They are a good resource for anyone who wants to live on their own and needs help finding services. How can a Service Coordinator help you? 1. Understand your needs: They can help you with personal care, transportation, Food FARMacy program: Is it right for you? As a member of El Paso Health, you may qualify for the Food FARMacy program if you are living with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. This program can help you: ■Make better food choices. ■Access nutritious food. ■Learn how to enjoy and have a better lifestyle. Take the first step toward better health—your journey starts here! To learn more, please call us at 915-532-3778, ext. 1191. You can reach our Service Coordinators by calling 915-532-3778 or toll-free at 1-877-532-3778. Get the help you need: How Service Coordinators can help health care, or other daily needs. 2. Find services: They can connect you with medical equipment or other assistance. 3. Choose the best options: They can help you look at the services and pick the ones that work best for you. 4. Encourage independence: They give you tools and resources so you can live a healthier and more independent life. At El Paso Health, our Service Coordinators are nurses, social workers, and other trained individuals.
3 resources Renew your benefits! Do not lose your benefits! If you do not renew your application on time, you will lose all your Medicaid benefits. This will result in loss of coverage and having to pay out of pocket for your doctor’s appointments and prescriptions. You may be without coverage between 30 and 60 days. Here is how you can make sure you renew on time. You will receive your renewal application notification by email or in the mail. When you do, be sure to: ■Go to www.yourtexasbenefits.com. ■Create an account or log in to your existing account. ■Review and update your information. ■Upload your current income and deduction papers. ■Click “Submit” to submit your renewal application. ■Look for a confirmation email notifying you that your renewal application was sent. If you have any questions, we can help you renew your application. Call us toll-free at 1-833-742‑3127, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have you moved, had a baby, or changed jobs recently? Be sure to keep your account information updated. Visit www.yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1 and select your language preference and then option 2 to update your information. Medicaid fraud hurts everyone Medicaid helps people get the care they need. But when someone lies to get money or services, it takes help away from others. That hurts everyone. Fraud can happen in different ways. Someone might charge for a doctor visit that didn’t happen. They might order supplies that no one gets. Or they might use your Medicaid number without asking. These things are not fair to families, doctors, or the Medicaid program. Be careful if you get a call or a bill for something you don’t know about. If someone offers you a gift for your Medicaid number, say no. Never share your health or personal information with someone you don’t trust. If something feels wrong, call your health plan and ask. If you think someone is using Medicaid in the wrong way, you can report it: ■Call El Paso Health at 1-866-356-8395. ■Call the Texas Office of Inspector General at 1-800-436-6184. ■Go online to oig.hhs.texas.gov/ report-fraud-waste-or-abuse. Let’s work together to keep Medicaid safe and fair for everyone in El Paso.
wellness 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. EPHSP10612510-Winter 2026 Member Newsletter The holidays are a time for joy, family, and traditions. They can also bring extra stress. Here are some simple tips to help members and caregivers stay healthy and enjoy the season. Plan ahead Make a list of important dates, doctor visits, and medication refills. Planning early helps avoid last-minute stress. Stay healthy Try to keep a routine. Eat balanced meals, drink water, and rest when you can. If you have health needs, be sure to follow your care plan. Ask for help Caregivers do a lot during the holidays. Don’t be afraid to ask family, friends, or your STAR+PLUS Service Coordinator for support. Sharing tasks can make things easier. Be safe Holiday decorations, candles, and busy gatherings can sometimes be unsafe. Keep walkways clear, check lights and cords, and make sure everyone has the help they need when moving around. Holiday tips for STAR+PLUS members and caregivers Take time for joy Holidays are more than errands and chores. Enjoy music, share stories, or watch a favorite movie together. Even small moments can create lasting memories. Remember, the best gift during the holidays is to care for yourself and for others.
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