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Community First Choice

CFC is a Medicaid benefit that provides extra help for eligible members with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or physical disabilities. CFC services can vary based on your goals and needs. Superior will work with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC),  the Local Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Authorities (LIDDA), and the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) to help you get CFC services.

Members may be able to get CFC services if:

  • They are enrolled in STAR+PLUS or STAR Kids and meet the program requirements.
  • They are a STAR+PLUS member and not currently receiving services through a 1915(c) waiver.
  • They are a STAR Kids member and are not receiving services through any other 1915 (c) waiver, except for the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP).
  • They meet the required level of care for an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disability (IDD), a Nursing Facility (NF), or an Institution for Mental Disease (IMD).

CFC services are based on your needs and preferences. You may be able to select and train a family member or someone else to provide these services. However, you cannot select a spouse. Your Service Coordinator can help you understand who can provide CFC services and answer your questions.

CFC also helps you get services that help increase independence. These include learning how to use public transportation, help with social activities and learning about resources in your community.

  • Personal Assistance Services (PAS): to help with daily living activities and health-related tasks.
  • Habilitation Services: to help learn new skills and care for yourself.
  • Emergency Response Services (ERS): an alert system if you live alone or are alone for most of the day.
  • Support Management: training on how to select, manage and dismiss attendants.

Yes, CFC services require an authorization. Call your Service Coordinator using Superior’s Phone Directory for more information.

  • The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) helps authorize and coordinate CFC services through the waiver provider if you are in a waiver. These services will not cost you anything. If you get services through a waiver, you will continue to get the same services you get today. Superior will still provide doctor visits and hospital services if you are enrolled in one of these waivers: 
    • Home and Community-based Services (HCS)
    • Texas Home Living (TxHmL)
    • Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
    • Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD)

An LOC assessment determines if you meet the required level of care from a Nursing Facility, Intermediate Care Facility or Institution for Mental Disease. Assessment for medical necessity LOC for a Nursing Facility will be completed by Superior. Assessment for LOC for an Intermediate Care Facility or Institution for Mental Disease will be completed by the Local Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Authorities (LIDDA) or the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA). After an LOC assessment is done, Superior will work with you to complete a CFC assessment. Superior will partner with LIDDA or LMHA to complete assessments after the LOC has been approved. If you or anyone else thinks an assessment is needed, call Superior Service Coordination. To get in touch with a Service Coordinator, please call Member Services using Superior's phone directory. 

Members are able to choose if their CFC services are delivered through Consumer Directed Services (CDS) or Service Responsibility Option (SRO) or through an Agency Option (AO). If you do not choose CDS, only certain providers can offer CFC services. These providers must be contracted with Superior to qualify and be approved to offer CFC services. Provider types include:

  • Licensed home and community support services agencies
  • Certified HCS and TXHmL providers
  • Licensed emergency response services agencies
  • Qualified financial management services agencies if you choose CDS

  • Members are not eligible to receive CFC services if they are: 
    • A STAR+PLUS member with Medical Assistance Only (MAO); or
    • A STAR Kids member with MAO Medicaid who:
      • Is not enrolled in the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP); or
      • Is enrolled in MDCP and does not receive at least one MDCP waiver service each month.
    • Members who do not meet the required level of care needed for an Intermediate Care Facility, Nursing Facility or Institution for Mental Disease.

STAR+PLUS Service Coordination: 1-877-277-9772
STAR Kids Service Coordination: 1-844-433-2074