Community Health Choice is monitoring the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the most updated information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Harris County Public Health Department, to help keep you and your family healthy.

Last updated: July 24, 2020.  Check this page regularly for updates.

Texas is seeing a rise in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 and more Texans hospitalized for COVID-19. This is related to residents moving around their communities as businesses reopen, increased availability of testing for COVID-19 and in some cases, attendance at gatherings or relaxing behaviors that prevent the spread of disease. There is still no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 and available treatments are not always effective. It is important to protect yourself and your family by following these recommendations

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Wear a face covering and practice social distancing when in public places.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing.
• Disinfect objects and surfaces to stay clean.

• Eat healthy food, and cut down on processed foods.
• Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol.
• Check in with your doctor and our Care Management department if you are managing a chronic condition.
• Check in with your doctor and our Behavioral Health department if you are experiencing stress and anxiety, depression and other behavioral health conditions.

• Adults 
• Children

• Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Explain that hand washing can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.
• Be a good role model—if you wash your hands often, they’re more likely to do the same.
• Make handwashing a family activity.
• Learn more about what you can do to protect children.

Use telemedicine services whenever possible.  A Provider can screen and diagnose you over the phone. It’s a great way to get the care you need from home. If you are a CHIP, CHIP-P or STAR Member, ask your Provider if they offer telemedicine. If your doctor is not available and you need help with locating telemedicine services, please call us for assistance. Telemedicine services are now available to all Marketplace plans and D-SNP, you may call them at 1.800.835.2362.

Before your first virtual visit, you need to set up a Teladoc account and share your medical history on the app or on their account set up page. Completing this step in advance can minimize your wait time.

If you’re new to using Teladoc, start by visiting their website for answers to frequently asked questions.

For faster support, you can contact Teledoc by mobile, App or web. You can download the App on the App Store or Google Play.

If you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) or have questions about symptoms, please call your doctor. If you are tested at your doctor’s office, health care facility or testing center, you will not be charged. You may also call our Nurse Help Line. A nurse will answer your questions, and help you get the care you need. Help is available in English or Spanish. You may also ask for an interpreter.

• STAR (Medicaid)/CHIP/CHIP Perinatal Members: 1.888.332.2730
• Marketplace Members: 1.833.955.1528
• D-SNP Members: 1.833.955.1527

Public testing sites and drive-thru testing locations are available throughout Texas. See the Texas Department of State Health Services website to locate testing centers near you. https://dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/testing.aspx

Members who are well and do not have a known risk for infection or symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing should not go directly to ERs or urgent care centers solely to be tested for COVID-19. Doing so may overwhelm hospitals and urgent care centers and prevent them from providing care to people who need help.