Full Definition

Texas Medicaid provides long-term care coverage for seniors who cannot afford nursing home or community-based services on their own. The program is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and is funded jointly by the state of Texas and the federal government.

To qualify for long-term care Medicaid in Texas, a single applicant generally must have countable assets of $2,000 or less and income that does not exceed the cost of care (with excess income going to a “patient pay” amount). Married couples have different rules that protect the community spouse’s assets.

Texas delivers most Medicaid long-term care through managed care organizations under the STAR+PLUS program. Nursing facility care and community-based services are the two main benefit categories. Community services — including personal attendant services and home health — are funded through STAR+PLUS and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.

Medicaid planning — legally restructuring assets to reach eligibility — is a legitimate and common strategy in Texas, typically guided by an elder law attorney. Applications are submitted to HHSC and often take 45–90 days to process.