Quick Answer
Texas Medicaid pays for home care mainly through STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), for adults who need nursing-facility level care. In 2026, a single applicant can have income up to $2,982 a month and countable assets of $2,000. People already on Medicaid request services through their health plan; others may be placed on an interest list by calling 1-877-438-5658. Approval can take months, so plan for care in the meantime.
In This Guide
Key Takeaways
- →STAR+PLUS HCBS is Texas Medicaid's main program for help at home for adults who need nursing-facility level care.
- →2026 limits: income up to $2,982/month and countable assets of $2,000 for a single person ($3,000 for a couple).
- →People not already on Medicaid can join the interest list at 1-877-438-5658.
- →Approval can take months, so most families need another way to cover care at first.
- →Medicaid rules are complex. An elder law attorney can help with income over the limit and asset questions.
If a parent or family member needs help at home but can't afford private rates, Texas Medicaid may help. The program that pays for most long-term help at home is STAR+PLUS. It can provide meaningful support, but the rules are strict and the process takes time.
This guide explains who qualifies in 2026, what's covered, how to apply, and what to do while you wait. Program details change, so confirm your situation with Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC).
What STAR+PLUS Is
STAR+PLUS is Texas Medicaid's managed care program for adults who are 65 or older or who have a disability. Members are enrolled in a health plan (a managed care organization) that coordinates their Medicaid services. Within STAR+PLUS, the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program pays for services that help people who would otherwise need a nursing facility stay at home.
Who Qualifies in 2026
| Requirement | 2026 standard |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 or older (65+ or with a disability) |
| Income | Up to $2,982/month for a single person (300% of the SSI benefit) |
| Countable assets | $2,000 for a single person; $3,000 for a couple |
| Care need | Must meet nursing-facility level of care, based on a functional assessment |
| Residency | Texas resident and U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen |
Some assets usually don't count, such as the home in many situations, one vehicle and personal belongings. If income is over the limit, a Qualified Income Trust may allow someone to qualify. Gifts and transfers made before applying can cause problems, and there are protections for a spouse who stays at home. These are areas where an elder law attorney is worth consulting.
What It Covers
- Personal attendant services: help with bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, toileting and moving around
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Adult day services
- Emergency response systems for people who live alone
- Minor home modifications, such as grab bars or ramps
- Consumer Directed Services, which let the member hire and direct their own attendant. See paying a family member as a caregiver.
The health plan sets the number of authorized hours through a service plan, based on assessed needs.
How to Apply
- If your loved one already has Medicaid through STAR+PLUS, call their health plan and ask for an assessment for HCBS services.
- If they don't have Medicaid yet, call the HHSC Interest List Management unit at 1-877-438-5658 to be placed on the STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list.
- Gather documents for the financial application: ID, Social Security number, income statements, bank and asset statements.
- Complete the financial application when contacted, and respond quickly to any requests for information.
- Complete the functional assessment, which determines whether nursing-facility level of care is met.
- Work with the health plan's service coordinator on a service plan and choice of provider.
You can also apply for Medicaid and check benefits at YourTexasBenefits.com, or call 211 for help.
The Interest List and Timelines
People who aren't already eligible for Medicaid may wait on an interest list before their eligibility is determined, and the full process can take months. Incomplete applications and missed requests for information are common causes of delay. Keeping documents organized and responding quickly helps.
Keep a simple log of the help your loved one needs each day, and keep physician notes current. If their condition changes, report it. Assessments reflect needs at the time they're done.
Options While You Wait
- Area Agencies on Aging: can connect families with meals, caregiver support and some in-home help. In Harris County, call (832) 393-4301; for surrounding counties, the Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging is at 1-800-437-7396. Statewide, call 1-800-252-9240.
- Aging and Disability Resource Center: 1-855-937-2372, for help finding local services.
- Long-term care insurance: check whether a policy exists. It may pay much sooner. See how to use LTCI for home care.
- VA benefits: wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid and Attendance.
- Community and faith-based programs: 211 can point you to local programs.
- Private-pay care for the gap: some families pay privately for a few hours a week until Medicaid services start.
A Note About BlueBonnet
BlueBonnet Home Health accepts private pay and long-term care insurance. We don't accept Medicaid. If your family needs care while a Medicaid application is pending, private-pay care can help in the meantime. For a side-by-side look at the main funding options, see long-term care insurance vs. Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Texas Medicaid home care in 2026?
For STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services, the 2026 income limit for a single person is $2,982 a month, which is 300% of the federal SSI benefit. Countable assets must be $2,000 or less for a single person, or $3,000 for a couple.
Is there a waiting list for STAR+PLUS home care in Texas?
People who aren't already eligible for Medicaid may be placed on an interest list for STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services. To be added, call the HHSC Interest List Management unit at 1-877-438-5658.
What does STAR+PLUS cover at home?
STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services can cover personal attendant services, respite, adult day services, emergency response systems, minor home modifications and Consumer Directed Services, based on an approved service plan.
What if income is over the Medicaid limit in Texas?
A Qualified Income Trust may allow someone with income above the limit to qualify. Because the rules are technical, talk with an elder law attorney.
What payment does BlueBonnet Home Health accept?
BlueBonnet accepts private pay and long-term care insurance, and does not accept Medicaid. Some families use private-pay care while a Medicaid application is pending.
Related Reading
If you need care while you sort out Medicaid, we're happy to talk through private-pay options. Call (346) 689-2339.
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