On November 28, 2016, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first case of Zika virus disease likely transmitted by a mosquito in Texas. DSHS is supporting Cameron County’s response to the case and to the ongoing risk of Zika in the community. Through last week, Texas has had 257 confirmed cases of Zika virus disease. Until now, all cases had been associated with travel, including two infants born to women who had traveled during their pregnancy and two people who had sexual contact with infected travelers.
In response to the confirmed Zika case in the Rio Grande Valley the Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced that it is reinstating the Medicaid benefit for mosquito repellent. This benefit was reinstated on November 29, 2016 and will remain in place through December, as the state collects more information about the case and scope of transmission in Texas. "We will do all that we can to protect Texans and slow the spread of the Zika virus," said HHSC Executive Commissioner Charles Smith. "Insect repellent is the best way to protect yourself, and we want it to be widely available."
Eligible Texas women can go to participating pharmacies to pick up mosquito repellent, as Texas Medicaid has a standing order for mosquito repellent prescriptions for women who are between the ages of 10 and 45 or pregnant. The benefit includes two cans per month per eligible beneficiary. Women are encouraged to call the pharmacy ahead of time because supply can vary by location. Women eligible for the Medicaid, CHIP and CHIP-Perinate programs are covered. Women covered under the Healthy Texas Women and Children with Special Health Care Needs programs also can receive the benefit. The following Zika-related items also are covered under current Texas Medicaid benefits:
- Family planning services
- Contraceptives
- Diagnostic testing
- Targeted case management
- Physical therapy
- Long term services and support
- Acetaminophen and oral electrolytes for Zika symptoms
- Potential coverage for additional ultrasounds for pregnant women
To read the entire DSHS and HHS announcement plus additional information on cases please visit www.texaszika.org.