Texas Tribune: State’s Premature Release of Bid Proposal Info Touches off New Battle Over $116 Billion in Medicaid Contracts
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) plans to exclude Cook Children's Health Plan from the new STAR/CHIP contract starting in September 2025.
Recent reporting from the Texas Tribune raises more questions about the procurement process for the STAR & CHIP Managed Care Services Contract. This is related to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) plans to exclude Cook Children’s Health Plan (CCHP) from the new contract starting in September 2025.
“Aetna, which is set to win a multibillion Texas Medicaid contract, got a peek at sensitive information submitted by 17 rival health plans during the bidding process after the state Health and Human Services agency erred and sent competitors’ proposals to the health insurance giant too early, according to emails and documents obtained by The Texas Tribune.” 
Important Information for CCHP Members:
- Your coverage is still active: Your health insurance with CCHP remains active for at least the next year and a half.
- Keep seeing your current doctors and other providers. Nothing has changed. You can continue seeing all your favorite doctors and specialists both at Cook Children's hospitals and clinics as well as our other network providers, just like always. Absolutely nothing will be different for you.
- If you are a STAR Kids Member, there have been no announced changes to that program.
- Share your experience as a CCHP member or ask questions here: CommunityMarketing@cookchildrens.org.
- Stay informed: Visit cookchildrens.org for updates.
RELATED STORIES
Texas Tribune: Cook Children’s Health Plan Denied Contract (checkupnewsroom.com)
