Incorporated in 1994, Community First Health Plans is a Texas non-profit health maintenance organization created by the University Health System to meet the needs of the South Texas community.

Community First began providing commercial group health coverage to employers in Bexar and seven area counties in 1995.

Community First was awarded a contract by the State of Texas in 1996 to provide health coverage through its Medicaid program, and in 2000, was awarded a contract for the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The state re-bid the contracts in 2011 and Community First was again selected to offer the Medicaid and CHIP programs.

As of May 1, 2012, Community First’s total enrollment stands at approximately 130,000. Community First is still the market leader for the CHIP program in the Bexar service area.