Texas · STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS
Medicaid for Nursing Homes in Texas (2026)
Medicaid in Texas can pay for skilled nursing home care — including room, board, and medical services — when applicants meet financial limits and nursing-facility level-of-care requirements. Use our free screener below, then verify details with STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS caseworkers.
State helpline: 1-855-937-2372
Medicaid Nursing Home Requirements in Texas
Income limit
~$2,829/mo
Asset limit (individual)
~$2,000
Look-back period
60 months
Program
STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS
- Medicaid in Texas covers skilled nursing facility room, board, and care for eligible residents — unlike assisted living, where housing is usually private pay.
- STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS requires financial eligibility and a clinical level-of-care determination (typically nursing-facility level).
- Countable assets must generally be at or below $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for couples) — with spousal impoverishment protections in many cases.
- Transfers of assets during the 60-month look-back period may trigger a penalty period before Medicaid nursing home coverage begins.
- Texas uses Medicaid waivers like STAR+PLUS for long-term care services in the community.
How to apply for nursing home Medicaid
- Gather financial documents: bank statements, property deeds, income verification, and insurance policies.
- Apply for Texas Medicaid through your county or state human services office (many states offer online applications).
- Complete a level-of-care assessment — Texas must confirm nursing-facility or waiver-level need.
- Choose a Medicaid-certified nursing home that accepts STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS residents.
- Call Texas ADRC/Area Agency on Aging at 1-855-937-2372 for free application help.
Federal Medicaid rules allow states to seek estate recovery for nursing home costs paid after age 55. A primary home may be protected while a spouse or dependent lives there — verify current Texas rules with an elder law attorney.
Compare CMS nursing home star ratings in Houston, Dallas or San Antonio before choosing a Medicaid-certified facility.
No phone number required. This screening tool is 100% free and private. Results are educational only — not legal or financial advice.
Assisted living & waiver programs
Nursing home Medicaid covers room and board in skilled nursing facilities. Assisted living is different — STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS may cover care services in participating waiver settings, but housing is often private pay.
- • Texas uses Medicaid waivers like STAR+PLUS for long-term care services in the community.
- • Room and board in assisted living is typically still paid privately; waivers may cover care services.
- • A home is usually excluded from asset limits if it is the primary residence.
- • Waitlists are common — apply early even if not moving immediately.
Texas Medicaid Nursing Home FAQs
Does Medicaid pay for nursing homes in Texas?▾
Yes — Texas Medicaid (STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS) covers skilled nursing facility care for eligible residents, including room and board when clinical and financial criteria are met. This differs from assisted living, where housing is typically private pay. Contact Texas ADRC at 1-855-937-2372 for application help.
What is the Medicaid nursing home income limit in Texas?▾
The typical individual income screening limit for Texas Medicaid long-term care is approximately $2,829/month. Limits are updated annually — confirm with your state Medicaid office before applying.
What is the Medicaid nursing home asset limit in Texas?▾
Countable assets are generally limited to about $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple in Texas. A primary home, one vehicle, and personal belongings are often excluded. Spousal impoverishment rules may allow a community spouse to keep additional assets.
What is the Medicaid look-back period in Texas?▾
Texas follows the federal 60-month Medicaid look-back period. Asset transfers below fair market value during this window may trigger a penalty period before nursing home Medicaid coverage begins. Consult an elder law attorney before gifting property or restructuring assets.
How do I qualify for Medicaid nursing home care in Texas?▾
You must meet three pillars: (1) income at or below ~$2,829/mo, (2) countable assets within limits, and (3) a state-approved level-of-care assessment confirming nursing-facility need. STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS requires financial eligibility and a clinical level-of-care determination (typically nursing-facility level).
How do I apply for Medicaid nursing home in Texas?▾
Gather financial documents: bank statements, property deeds, income verification, and insurance policies. Apply for Texas Medicaid through your county or state human services office (many states offer online applications). Complete a level-of-care assessment — Texas must confirm nursing-facility or waiver-level need. Choose a Medicaid-certified nursing home that accepts STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS residents. Call Texas ADRC/Area Agency on Aging at 1-855-937-2372 for free application help.
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Texas?▾
STAR+PLUS / Texas Medicaid HCBS may cover care services in participating assisted living or waiver settings, but room and board is often still private pay. Use our checker above for a preliminary screening — nursing home Medicaid has broader room-and-board coverage.
Does STAR+PLUS pay for assisted living in Texas?▾
STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid waiver that may cover care services in participating settings for eligible adults. It typically does not pay standard assisted living room and board. Verify STAR+PLUS acceptance with each community and your local Area Agency on Aging.
How long is the Texas Medicaid waiver waitlist?▾
STAR+PLUS and other Texas HCBS waivers often have waitlists that vary by county and priority category. Apply as early as possible — you can be on a waitlist while still living at home.
What is the Texas Medicaid look-back period for nursing homes?▾
Texas applies a 60-month (5-year) look-back for nursing home Medicaid asset transfers. Gifts or below-market sales within that window may trigger a penalty period. Consult a Texas elder law attorney before large transfers.