06.26.2024

Today’s Forecast

STAR+PLUS health plan changes

Healthcare providers recently shifted policies and are discontinuing the Medicare STAR+PLUS plan, impacting 53,000 San Antonio adults with disabilities.

To continue coverage, individuals must select a new plan before Wednesday, July 10. Community First, San Antonio’s only nonprofit healthcare provider, started offering the program in February.

Now, they’re one of the only providers to keep its resources afloat. Let’s break down what STAR+PLUS is and how this local healthcare provider can help.

What is the STAR+PLUS plan?

STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid-managed care program for adults who have disabilities or are 65 and older. Adults enrolled in the initiative receive long-term care + services.

A helping hand

Community First partnered with disABILITYsa to offer accurate healthcare options for those enrolled in the STAR+PLUS program.

Bexar County residents who do not select a STAR+PLUS care provider will be automatically enrolled in one by the state of Texas.

For those seeking in-person assistance, they are encouraged to visit its Avenida Guadalupe Community Office at 1410 Guadalupe St., Suite 222, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Photo by Community First

What Community First offers

If you or a loved one is part of this change, here’s what Community First offers, in addition to the Medicare coverage:

An allowance for specialized therapy
Gift cards for completing specialized therapy sessions
Vision + dental benefits
Free YMCA member card

“We encourage the community to seek out family members to review different options from various health plan providers versus being auto assigned,” says a spokesperson for Community First.

The new healthcare changes go into effect Sept. 1. For more insight about your benefits, visit this website or dial 2-1-1.

Asked

When is the last day to select a STAR+PLUS provider?

A. Monday, July 5
B. Wednesday, July 10
C. Sunday, Sept. 1

Mark your calendar

Events

Wednesday, June 26

Water Wonks | Wednesday, June 26 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance for a virtual lecture discussion about the growth of the greater San Antonio area.
NBA Draft Watch Party | Wednesday, June 26 | 6 p.m. | Frost Plaza at the Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Wy., San Antonio | Free | Join the Spurs for its official draft watch party featuring raffles, lawn games, splash pad, live music, merch, and free drinks for the first 100 fans to RSVP.
Bark in the Park | Wednesday, June 26 | 7:05 p.m. | Nelson Wolff Stadium, 5757 US Hwy. 90 W., San Antonio | $8-$30 | Bring your puppy to watch the San Antonio Missions baseball team play the Midland RockHounds.

Thursday, June 27

UNO Champions Tournament | Thursday, June 27 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Make Ready Market, 203 8th St., San Antonio | Free | Bring your friends for a competitive card game tournament with prizes hosted by Readi Social.
Moonlit Melodies | Thursday, June 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Stretch your legs on the lawn and relax to live music in the heart of downtown.
Evenings at Topaz | Thursday, June 27 | 7-11 p.m. | La Cantera Resort & Spa, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio | $50-$250 | Wear all white to this 21+ party benefiting the San Antonio Humane Society, with music by DJ Celina Jennee.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Ranked

San Antonio ranks No. 25 in the US on its INRIX 2023 Traffic Scorecard. The study reveals drivers stuck in traffic lose 35 hours and $607 in fuel costs annually. The corridor with the most congestion? I-35 between Windcrest + Shertz.

Closed

A Way To The Heart has officially closed, citing “low turnout and high costs.”The restaurant isn’t done yet. It’s currently developing a nine-course menu inspired by Central America + the Caribbean. Stay tuned for pop-ups around town.

Plan Ahead

The Fido Film Fest is returning to Brackenridge Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 7-10 p.m. Expect human + dog activities, a film screening, photo booth, and local vendors. Admission is free and bringing your furry friend is highly encouraged.

Arts

The 50th San Antonio Cultural Arts mural, “Cuentos Son Arte,” sustained damage due to a car accident. The mural will be restored once the building damage is fixed. Stay tuned for updates.

San Antonian

Stand up comedian + performer, Tanveer Arora, is headling the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club tomorrow night. His 18+ show includes stories about sexuality, family, and a few dad jokes. Grab your tickets and head to 618 NW Loop 410 at 7:30 p.m.

Outdoors

The Texas State Park Pass price is increasing to $95 beginning Sept. 1. The pass gives you and your guests in the same vehicle unlimited access to every state park. Get yours for $70.

Sports

Find out what each football coach needs to prove in the 2024-2025 season. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Learn

Want to stay updated on the latest news in Texas? From oil prices to Friday night lights, The Texas Flyover takes a “no bull” approach to the most important stories of the day. Sign up for free with one click — and see it in your inbox every weekday.*

Finance

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Open

Delectable desserts this way

No-phone dessert experience opens in the Pearl

Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Credit: Robert Lerma).jpg Nicosi

Executive Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph gives SATXtoday the inside scoop about the Pearl’s newest eatery. | Photo by Robert Lerma

Sugar, spice, and everything nice can be found behind the doors of the Pearl’s latest eatery — Nicosi. The dining experience invites you to take a culinary journey through the art of dessert. That’s not all... This 20-person excursion also has a no-phone policy (more on that later).

We chatted with the Executive Chef and Partner Tavel Bristol-Joseph to dish out the details.

What is the meaning of the name Nicosi and why did you choose it?

“Nicosi is my middle name. The reason why I wanted it to be a middle name is because it’s a name you have the choice to use. The same can be said about desserts. You go out to eat and at the end of your meal you have the choice to get a dessert.

In my opinion, dessert is a key part of the dining experience.”

Get to know Tavel

The Buy

The Buy 6.26.24 (Affiliate)

A margarita pool float (yes, that’s a thing — complete with a giant lime).

Answered

What is the maximum rebate you can receive for a cistern installment?

Discover budget-friendly ways to upgrade your home using our guide.
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Photo by the City of San Antonio

79% of you answered correctly, nice work. The max rebate you can earn for installing a cistern is $2,000.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicholas

From the editor

Yesterday morning I went on a morning walk along the Huestra Creek Greenway and it was delightful. In case you need to reconnect with nature, I suggest looking at our guide and waking up early to beat the heat.

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