Big Bend Hospital District outlines county health program, eligibility and drug assistance to Alpine council

Big Bend Regional Hospital District staff told the Alpine City Council on a regular meeting night about a county medical program that provides primary care, limited dental and vision, durable medical equipment and a separate prescription assistance grant for residents of Presidio and Brewster counties who do not qualify for Medicaid.

The presentation explained who can enroll and what the program covers. “You must not qualify for Medicaid. You must live in Presidio, Brewster County, be 18 years and over,” Mariel Diaz, director of client services for Big Bend Health, said. She listed covered services including physician visits, basic dental and vision care, specialist referrals when authorized, medically necessary visits, durable medical equipment and emergency visits.

The district staff described benefit limits and program mechanics: enrollment is reviewed every six months, and the program provides up to a $30,000 annual physical benefit year running from October to September. Diaz said the district processes claims so a medical visit is paid when eligible.

The presentation emphasized limits and additional programs. Noemi Aguilar, patient advocate in Alpine, described an Rx program separate from the main medical coverage that helps community members afford high-cost medicines: “Rxrank is for anyone in the community… The poverty level for that program is 400,” Aguilar said, adding the program can qualify people who also have Medicare or private insurance. Aguilar said the separate prescription grant covers up to three generic prescriptions per month with a $5 co-pay for a 30‑day supply.

Staff said the district also assists with medical-appointment transportation and covers standard home medical equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen supplies. Aguilar noted clients are asked to limit emergency-department visits to life‑threatening cases so outpatient benefits are not consumed on avoidable ER care.

Council members asked about office locations and enrollment numbers. Aguilar gave the Alpine office address as 105 West Holly and said the district has outreach sites in other towns; Diaz said about 140–145 people were currently enrolled in the Bridal (Presidio/Brewster) program and staff would like to increase enrollment. “We would like to target… ages 25 to 35, 40 when their kids are small,” Diaz said, describing outreach goals.

District staff encouraged community partners to help publicize the program and described outreach methods such as flyers, radio in some communities, and monthly field visits to outlying towns. They said the program assists with application paperwork and documentation gathering for residents who are hesitant or unsure about eligibility.

The presentation packet is available on the city website, council members said. Diaz and Aguilar finished by asking for help getting more flyers into local businesses and community outlets.