Cost of Assisted Living in Austin, Texas

Page Reviewed / Updated - May 22, 2019

This guide is for those who have questions about paying for senior care in the city of Austin. Information includes an analysis of senior care costs, financial programs that offer assistance with senior living expenses, and affordable housing choices. Head to our state guide for more comprehensive information regarding programs in the state of Texas as a whole. 

The Cost of Senior Living and Care in Austin

In Austin, according to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey, senior care is relatively more expensive compared to other major cities in Texas, as well as the state average. For instance, assisted living costs about $1,500 a month more than the state average, and the average monthly cost of adult day care is almost double the state average.

Austin Assisted Living Costs

Assisted living in Austin costs an average of $5,190 a month, which is over $1,000 more than the state average. Longview is more affordable than Austin with an average of $2,090 less a month, while El Paso is the least expensive with a monthly average of $2,250.

Austin Home Care Costs

The cost of home care in Austin averages $4,099 a month, assuming 44 hours of care per week at an average cost per hour of $21.50. That’s $286 higher than the state average of $3,813. Compared to the rest of the region, Odessa is the most expensive with a monthly average of $4,185. The least expensive average cost for home care in Texas is in Brownsville at $2,860 a month.

Austin Adult Day Care Costs 

Adult day care in Austin costs an average of $1,408 a month, $650 more than the state average of $758. The most affordable with a monthly average of less than $700 for adult day care in the state are Brownsville, El Paso, Abilene, Corpus Christi, and Laredo. The least expensive is Abilene with a monthly average of $618.

Austin Nursing Home Costs

The cost of nursing home care in Austin is higher when compared with the rest of the state. At $5,323 a month for a semi-private room, it’s $525 more than the state average of $4,798. Longview is the least expensive with a monthly average of $3,954.

Financial Assistance Programs in Austin

STAR + PLUS Medicaid Program

The state offers five types of Medicaid coverage: STAR, STAR + PLUS, STAR HEALTH, STAR KIDS, and traditional Medicaid. STAR + PLUS is the managed care program for the elderly and disabled. Older adults living in Austin will choose from three medical plans: Amerigroup, Molina Healthcare of Texas, and UnitedHealthcare Community.

Available services depend on the chosen plan. Regardless of which plan is selected, doctor visits, prescription drugs, labs, x-rays, hospital care, vision and hearing, and dental will be covered.

STAR + PLUS is an entitlement, so if you meet the following eligibility requirements, you will be accepted:

• Must be 65 or older, or disabled

• Can not be receiving a Medicaid 1915 (c) waiver or frail elderly services

• If single, monthly income needs to be $2,250 or less, and assets cannot exceed $2,000.

• Monthly income for married couples is $4,500 or less, and assets must not be more than $3,000.

To apply for the STAR + PLUS Medicaid program, fill out the online application or request help from the Texas Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program.

Other Financial Assistance Programs

Community Attendant Services (CAS)

The Community Attendant Services is a Medicaid funded program available to the elderly and disabled who need help with activities of daily living. If eligible, program participants will receive personal care and home management services. Refer to our in-depth CAS guide for an explanation of the services, eligibility requirements, number of allowed hours, and more.

Community Care for the Aged and Disabled (CCAD)

Elderly who wish to remain in their home community or caregiver’s home but need assistance may be eligible for Community Care for the Aged and Disabled. The program pays a family member (excluding the spouse) or another personal care provider to provide services. Some of the services include help with activities of daily living, medication assistance, shopping, and emergency response. To learn more about CCAD, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.

Community First Choice (CFC)

Community First Choice is an entitlement available as a state plan option to Medicaid enrollees. The services provided include personal assistance, habilitation, emergency response, and support management. Older adults who are currently enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid, meet an institutional level of care, and require help with activities and instrumental activities of daily living can receive CFC. Click here to learn more.

More Senior Living Resources in Austin