July 13, 2020

Medicaid applications can be overwhelming and intimidating, but their difficulty doesn’t have to be a barrier to joining Texas Children’s Health Plan. Thanks to the health plan’s application assistance team incoming members can receive help with the process from start to finish.

The team of three works to help potential members fill out the forms and submit the necessary paperwork. “We work with both English and Spanish speaking families to ensure that they have support in navigating the process,” said Lupe Fraga, application assistance specialist. “The absolute best part of our jobs is educating families so that they know that they can get medical, dental, vision and access to other social services resources in the community. That’s our greatest joy — providing valuable information.”

Fraga’s teammate, Elizabeth Gallegos, added that families are amazed about how easy the process can be. “People truly are in disbelief that it is so simple. They feel a sense of relief that with our help they can receive so many benefits.”

But with any great reward, there also comes challenges and that is where a lack of trust comes in. Gallegos said that getting the community to trust the team is something they are constantly working on.

“In order to help, we have to be trusted,” Gallegos said. “They have to trust us to fill out the application and submit important paperwork.”

When trust does take place, negative consequences can be avoided. Elizabeth Tobar, the third member on the team says that because of the complexity of the application, families can be denied coverage because of errors. “Unfortunately this can be so discouraging that many go without coverage or needed care for long periods of time. Having the opportunity to help navigate them through the process and overcome those barriers is so rewarding, especially at a time like this.”

The team is currently averaging about 35 to 40 applications per week and with a steady increase in membership, they are slated to do much more in the weeks ahead.

The application assistance team was created in 2017 and is led by Claudia Garcia, marketing manager.

To learn more about Texas Children’s Health Plan visit TexasChildrensHealthPlan.org. To read about the health plan’s new marketing plan geared toward the unemployed read this story.

June 29, 2020

Amid a new world order that demands social distancing, Texas Children’s Health Plan has come up with creative ways to meet the needs of the community.

Partnership with Aldine Independent School District

The health plan has now joined forces with Aldine ISD to host community drive-through events, thanks to the leadership of Jermaine Monroe, vice president for Human Resources. Monroe spearheaded a partnership between the health plan and the district last year, which is now paying off in a new way.

Twice each week, families are able to pick up meals for their children at the district’s high schools, while also receiving information on our insurance program.

Isela Garcia, community marketing specialist who works with the district on the weekly events, says that families are grateful. “It is an incredibly safe way to meet several goals,” said Garcia. “Families can pick up student meals and receive information about application assistance and other services.”

Harris County Precinct 2 partnership

In addition to our partnership with Aldine ISD, the health plan has also partnered with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Precinct 2 has the highest number of uninsured children in the county.

In an effort to help local small businesses, every Friday for the last few months Commissioner Garcia tasked his team to partner with several area restaurants to provide drive-through “Hot Meal Fridays” at several community centers. This is just one of many programs Commissioner Garcia initiated as part of Precinct’s COVID 19 response efforts. “Hot Meals Fridays” provide a nutritious meal for the entire family by serving everyone in the vehicle. With the involvement of Texas Children’s Health Plan these families also receive much needed health insurance information.

“As commissioner for one of the most medically underserved areas in Harris County, I made improving our public health care system and improving access for those in my precinct a major priority, and this partnership is critical to making those improvements happen. This partnership with a premier partner like the Texas Children’s Health Plan helps in ensuring that no one is left behind – especially our children. I’m grateful to the health plan team for stepping up for our community during this difficult time,” Commissioner Garcia said. “The health plan understands the importance of feeding children and families while also providing for their health care needs.”

Application assistance

“The needs of our target population are significant — now, more than ever — and we are blessed that we’ve been able to continue meeting these needs, while maintaining social distancing so that everyone can stay safe,” said Claudia Garcia, marketing manager for the health plan.

However, the events are just the first step. Garcia says that assisting new members with their applications once they reach out is just as important; and her team is completing this process with flying colors. Just recently, 49 applications were completed within one week.

If you know of anyone who may want more information about Texas Children’s Health Plan or may need assistance with their application, visit texaschildrenshealthplan.org.

The latest marketing campaign launched by Texas Children’s Health Plan speaks to those who have just lost their jobs. The goal is to share the good news of what our programs can provide to children and families.

“Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has affected our economy and therefore our job market,” said Denise Jimenez, marketing manager at Texas Children’s Health Plan. “This means that there are thousands of people in our service area who are out of work and out of benefits. If they don’t know about our health plan, we want to change that because we can help.”

Texas Children’s Health Plan is an insurance plan much like Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna or many others. The difference is that it manages the health care of low-income children and pregnant women who receive government-funded insurance, such as Medicaid. The purpose of Texas Children’s Health Plan is to deliver the best health care possible for its members.

If you know anyone who has recently lost his or her job and is in need of health care benefits, share the texaschildrenshealthplan.org link.

Want to see the new commercial? Here it is.

June 22, 2020

Like many projects across the organization, the implementation of Epic Tapestry has been on hold as we navigate our response to COVID-19.

But recently, project leaders were given the green light to return to this important work and the team is making great strides in getting the project back up and running.

Once implemented the system will allow Texas Children’s Health Plan to better integrate data for an improved member and provider experience. Tapestry, a module within Epic health care management, will help make this possible by first providing better information and improved work processes for employees who treat our more than 400,000 customers.

“The team has been incredibly patient and flexible as our pandemic response has taken priority,” said Justin Loudon, assistant vice president at Texas Children’s Health Plan. “However, COVID has resulted in an increase in health plan membership and served as a painful reminder of just how much efficiency and effectiveness must remain a focus for us. We are excited that the project is back on track.”

Benefits of Epic Tapestry

Epic Tapestry is an overarching application that will replace a variety of applications currently used. Its goal is to integrate the business of Texas Children’s Health Plan, and will:

  • Ensure a comprehensive, integrated enterprise solution with a common look and feel
  • Reduce manual work and provide a better data source for information
  • Incorporate evidence-based decision-support tools and better data entry at point of care
  • Optimize the patient/family experience across the enterprise
  • Challenge current practice – streamline and simplify
Employees will be trained for the change

All essential groups will be trained well before the Go Live date: Training will take place in a combination of ways, including:

  • E-Learning Courses
  • Quick Start Desk Reference Guides
  • Detailed Self-Guided Exercise Booklets
  • In-Person Classroom Training

Information Services educator, Elydia Villanueva, will lead training efforts for Texas Children’s Hospital employees, while Angie Ross, Epic Project Team Trainer, will lead training for Health Plan employees. Together they will ensure that impacted employees across the system will be prepared on Go Live day.

June 1, 2020

During the 2019-2020 school year seven students interned at Texas Children’s Health Plan as part of Project Search, a national organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment. And although challenged with a global pandemic, they each persevered to complete the hands-on training.

They will enjoy a virtual graduation on Thursday, June 4. The graduates and their accomplishments are as follows:

Brian Buckingham
Ross Shaw Sterling Aviation High School
What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the Marketing department, mainly in the warehouse. My main responsibilities were filling orders, loading the docking truck, and keeping the maintenance up on the trucks.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship has helped me to be more confident. I no longer have a problem asking for help.

What are your future plans or desired profession?
I’d like to get a job within the warehouse industry.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
My advice to incoming students would be to finish what you start, follow directions and be on time.

From the Project SEARCH team:
It has been a great pleasure watching Brian grow into a mature, responsible, hard-working man. He is a fast learner who excelled at his internship in the Marketing Warehouse. He was able to move inventory, load and unload trucks, operate a pallet jack, take and fill orders, and make deliveries throughout The Health Plan. Brian has a calm demeanor and has expressed his interest in working in a warehouse or being a delivery driver assistant. With the ability and leadership he has shown during his internship, I know Brian will be successful in that job environment. Brian, we wish you all the best on future endeavors! We know you will be successful!!

Stacy Calvo
Sharpstown International School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the Marketing department, as well as the Claims department. My main responsibilities were using Excel, making copies, shredding papers, organizing the Managed Care binders and other clerical duties.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship has made me a better communicator and more confident. I am now more willing to make eye contact when speaking to people.

Future plans or desired profession?
I would like to work in a hospital in housekeeping or as a patient escort.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
My advice to incoming interns would be to follow directions and make eye contact when speaking to others.

From the Project SEARCH team:
Stacy has proven to be one of the most responsible, trustworthy, and dependable interns the Project SEARCH program has ever had the honor to work with. Not only does Stacy comply with rules and policies, but she exceeds expectations of integrity and professionalism. She is a fast learner and always has a smile on her face and a friendly word for others. It has been a pleasure working with Stacy and watching her grow and bloom into the professional woman she is. Stacy is anxious to enter the world of work and there is no doubt that she will be very successful in the path she chooses. We wish you well Stacy, and we look forward to hearing about all the accomplishments you will achieve!

Josseline Lopez
Northside High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I work in the StarKids department. My main responsibilities are assisting with the preparation for the TCHi orientations, organizing and sorting, and putting packets together for everyone that is hired at TCHP.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
I have become more independent and a lot more self-sufficient.

Future plans or desired profession?
I would like to work in a hospital.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
I would tell the incoming students to follow the rules and instructions. Everyone is here to help you.

From Josseline’s Mentor, Aracely Olmeda:
Joselin has blossomed from a shy and timid intern to a bold and vivacious coworker. She was celebrated as a coworker in Care Coordination and it has been my honor to mentor her. She has excelled in time management and developing education training materials for new hires. She also has conquered the daunting task of organizing the 14th floor storage room and has taken an active role in managing inventory for new hire equipment. She is a quick learner and is adaptable to anything thrown her way! Congrats Josseline

Kirk Cole
Westbury High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I managed the TCHP Concierge Service. I worked on all floors, delivering supplies, mail, cleaning the common areas, and I made sure that each printer was stocked with paper on every floor.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship has made me more responsible in many ways.

Future plans or desired profession?
My internship improved my job skills so much that our job coach was able to secure a job for me at my home church. I love working in my church and would hope that I am promoted to full-time soon.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
My advice to incoming interns would be to work hard, do your best and be honest.

From Kirk’s Mentor, Shamera Beckham:
Mr. Kirk, I am so proud of you! It was amazing to watch how you’ve grown throughout the duration of your internship. You did an awesome job in managing the Concierge Service at TCHP, and everyone looked forward to working with you. I am certain that you will be a great asset in working at your church and I hope that you keep in touch. We are always here rooting for you!

Christopher Batiste
Ross Shaw Sterling Aviation High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in Claims, Member Services, and Contracts. My main responsibilities in Claims were data entry and quality improvement. In Member Services I was responsible for receiving and sorting mail. In Contracts, I was responsible for entering all information into Excel.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship made me more confident and more comfortable working with others.

Future plans or desired profession?
I’d like to work in a grocery store or in an office setting.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
Be honest and be on time. Enjoy Project Search and make good friends because everyone is helpful.

From Christopher’s Mentor, Ann Miller:
I would like to say it has been a great pleasure to work with Chris throughout this year. Even though it ended sooner that we wanted it to, I could not have asked for better help. Chris was very polite and never hesitated to accomplish anything ask of him. I would like to end with “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.” … I hope to see you again soon!

Bryan Barrera
Lamar High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the Finance and Control/Compliance Department. My main responsibilities were working together with my mentor, Ms. Donna, entering data into excel, sorting, printing, and other clerical duties.

In what ways has the internship made you stronger?
The internship has made me more independent and confident to do things on my own.

Future plans or desired profession?
In the future, I’d like to work in a grocery store, checking expiration dates, sorting things, etc.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
I would tell an incoming intern to follow instructions from your mentor and the Project Search Teacher, Ms. Lisa.

From Bryan’s Mentors, Donna Jackson and Tzaddi Yanez:
Bryan, you will be dearly missed by us all on the 14th floor. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication. All the best and keep in touch – Donna Jackson
Congratulations, Bryan! Thank you for all of your help this past year. Keep your head up and stay determined! Prayers and blessings for all of your future endeavors! – Tzaddi Yanez

George Barrientos
Wisdom High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the IS department. My main duties were imaging computers and helping to deliver passwords and logins to new hires. I also installed replacement equipment, like a mouse or keyboard.

In what ways has the internship made you stronger?
It taught me what a real job is like. Like taking lunch, being on time, and being prepared.

Future plans or desired profession?
My goal is to be a video game creator. I want to get a job in store with a game department like Best Buy or Target.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
I would tell them to take all these opportunities. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

From the Project SEARCH team:
It has been a pleasure getting to know George and watching him learn new skills. He was friendly, well-liked by all his coworkers, was a fast learner, and very independent. The IT department was a good fit for George, as he enjoyed working with computers and had a good understanding of technology. He learned quickly how to reimage and configure computers and was a great help to the IT department. George has expressed his interest in getting a job in the computer field. We wish you all the best George, in your future endeavors!

For the fifth year in a row, the OBGYN Department at The Center-Greenspoint has earned the Patient-Centered Specialty Practice designation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

The practice was the first in Texas to receive such a designation in 2013 and has continued to become re-designated every year.

“This recognition means that we are who we say we are,” said Dr. Erica Giwa, medical director of the program. “The needs of our patients is our first priority and we deliver programming that supports that. We are so honored.”

Specifically the practice was recognized for setting standards that ensure quality, implementing programs that promote quality, improving vaccination rates and much more.

The award-winning team is a multi-disciplinary one comprised of MDs, pharmacists, behavioral health specialists, care coordinators, nurses and administrative staff.

The Center for Children and Women is part of Texas Children’s Health Plan. The two Center locations are full-service clinics for Health Plan members only, with a few exceptions for members of other government-sponsored programs.

For more information about The Center visit jointhecenter.org

May 26, 2020

The use of intelligence to meet customer needs and make long term decisions is one of the reasons Texas Children’s Health Plan is experiencing a revival.

The health plan’s business intelligence team has been so instrumental in the organization’s ability to help those in need that it recently won an international award for its efforts. Esri, a global leader in geographic information systems (GIS), recently named the team it’s 2020 Winner of the Special Achievement in GIS Award.

The award recognizes user sites around the world for their outstanding use of GIS technology.

“To say I’m proud of the team is an understatement,” said Kim Battenfield, manager of Clinical and Business Analytics. “To be chosen for this award from more than 100,000 organizations is incredibly gratifying and is confirmation that our hard work is making a difference.”

What the team does is impressive, it’s likely how their data is used is what sealed the deal for the award. “We are a health care organization that is using mapping technology to proactively support our members’ health care journey and meet our members’ needs in times of crisis. That’s a technology use that’s hard to beat.”

And they haven’t stopped there. Battenfield’s team not only builds informational tools but also teaches other health plan teams how to access the information. This way, they aren’t the only keepers — or interpreters — of the data.

Team members are:

Patricia Foster, Applications Architect
Henry Peng, Senior Business Intell Analyst
Andrea Qiao, Senior Business Intell Analyst
Charles Summerhill, Applications Architect
Jaennie Yoon, Senior Business Intell Analyst

For more information about their recent award visit www.esri.com/sag-award.