SNAP Update and ResourcesActualización y recursos de SNAP
On November 1, 2025, the requirements to receive and apply to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have changed. To see the new policies to request SNAP benefits, click here and/or call 211 for SNAP assistance. Learn more
El 1 de noviembre de 2025, cambiaron los requisitos para recibir y aplicar para los beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés). Para consultar las nuevas políticas para aplicar para los beneficios de SNAP, haz clic aquí o llama al 211 para obtener ayuda de SNAP. Aprende Más
Transportation UpdateActualización de transporte
Starting December 15, 2025, SafeRide Health will become the new provider for all member rides to doctor appointments and pharmacy visits. After this date, Texas Children’s Health Plan will no longer use MTM for Non Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services.
For other questions, please call Member Services at the number on the back of your member ID card.
A partir del 15 de diciembre de 2025, SafeRide Health será el nuevo proveedor para todos los viajes de los miembros a citas médicas y visitas a la farmacia. Después de esta fecha, Texas Children’s Health Plan ya no usará MTM para los servicios de Transporte Médico No Urgente (NEMT).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently released a Clinical Report strongly advising against codeine use in children. The rationale of the AAP is as follows:
“Codeine is a prodrug with little inherent pharmacologic activity and must be metabolized in the liver into morphine, which is responsible for codeine’s analgesic effects. However, there is substantial genetic variability in the activity of the responsible hepatic enzyme, CYP2D6, and, as a consequence, individual patient response to codeine varies from no effect to high sensitivity. Drug surveillance has documented the occurrence of unanticipated respiratory depression and death after receiving codeine in children, many of whom have been shown to be ultra-rapid metabolizers. Patients with documented or suspected obstructive sleep apnea appear to be at particular risk because of opioid sensitivity, compounding the danger among rapid metabolizers in this group.”
This statement strongly advises against the use of codeine both as an analgesic agent and as an antitussive agent. The AAP notes that an FDA advisory panel (in December 2015) recommended that the use of codeine for cough should be considered as contraindicated in all children under 18 years.
Texas Children’s Health Plan endorses the AAP and FDA recommendations and strongly advises providers NOT to prescribe codeine-containing medications for children.
Clinical Pearls for Analgesia
Avoid the use of codeine containing products in children.
Consider prescribing alternative analgesics such ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If opioids are required, consider hydrocodone preparations.
When prescribing opioids, use lowest effective dose for shortest period of time.
Avoid prescribing opioids “round the clock”.
Counsel patients and caregivers on how to recognize signs of opioid toxicity, and advise them to seek medical attention or call 911.
Harold J. Farber, MD, MSPH, FAAP, Associate Medical Director, Texas Children’s Health Plan
Joy P Alonzo, M.E., PharmD, Associate Pharmacy Director, Texas Children’s Health Plan
Source:
Tobias JD, Green TP, Coté CJ, AAP SECTION ON ANESTHESIOLOGY AND PAIN MEDICINE, AAP COMMITTEE ON DRUGS. Codeine: Time To Say “No”. Pediatrics. 2016;138(4):e20162396
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/early/2016/09/15/peds.2016-2396.full.pdf
Accessed September 21, 2016
