Paying for assisted living in Texas
Most Texas families pay for assisted living out of pocket, at least at first. Common sources include personal savings, Social Security and pension income, the proceeds from selling a home, long-term care insurance, and contributions from family members. Costs vary widely depending on the metro area, the size of the apartment, and the level of care a resident needs. You can see current price ranges for specific Texas communities in the pricing tables below.
Because assisted living is a long-term expense, it helps to plan ahead. Some residents start by paying privately and later qualify for help through Medicaid as their savings are spent down.
Does STAR+PLUS cover assisted living in Texas?
Texas Medicaid does not pay for room and board in an assisted living community. However, the STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program — a Medicaid managed-care waiver — can help cover the care side for people who qualify. STAR+PLUS HCBS exists to help people who would otherwise need a nursing home receive services in the community instead, and "assisted living" is one of its covered services (help with personal care, homemaker tasks, and medication management).
To qualify, an applicant generally must:
- Be 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability
- Be a Texas resident who meets Medicaid income and asset limits
- Need a nursing-home level of care, confirmed by an assessment
You apply through Your Texas Benefits or by calling 2-1-1. Waiver slots can be limited, so applying early matters.
Does Medicare cover assisted living in Texas?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living room and board or for ongoing custodial (personal) care, which is the main service assisted living provides. Medicare may still cover related medical needs, such as a short, medically necessary stay in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay, doctor visits, hospice, and some home health care.
For free, unbiased help understanding what Medicare does and does not cover, contact Texas's State Health Insurance Assistance Program — the Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) — at 800-252-9240.
