Texas' STAR+PLUS Medicaid Waiver

Page Reviewed / Updated - Apr. 2017

Waiver Description

This waiver allows elderly Texans, aged 65 or older, that require a nursing facility level of care, to reside at home or in assisted living residences and receive care services in those locations. Under STAR+PLUS, both medical care and non-medical long term care services as covered. STAR+PLUS differs from other Texas Medicaid programs in that the services are provided by managed care organizations (MCO). There are specific MCOs in each county and participants are given the choice to select their preferred provider.

In September, 2014, the STAR+PLUS waiver replaced the Community Based Alternatives Waiver and all former CBA waiver participants have completed a transition to STAR+PLUS. Two other Texas Medicaid waivers were not replaced by Managed Medicaid under STAR+PLUS. The Primary Home Care Program and Day Activity and Health Services Program continue to help resource-constrained seniors throughout the state. 

Eligibility Guidelines

The STAR+PLUS Waiver has financial and functional restrictions. From a functional perspective, candidates must have a need for care services typically provided in nursing homes. Aged Texas residents must meet the income and assets levels for Texas Medicaid.

The Texas Medicaid thresholds for 2017 are as follows: an individual can have up to $2,205 per month in income and $2,000 in assets. The state permits applicants to not include the value of their home or primary vehicle. 

Additionally, if the applicant is married and their spouse is not applying for Medicaid, their spouse’s income is not considered for eligibility. Also, in these circumstances, the non-applicant spouse can have investments, retirement accounts, and savings valued up to $120,900. This split spouse circumstance makes the Medicaid application complicated. It is recommended that individuals consult with a Medicaid eligibility expert to ensure the non-applicant spouse receives the maximum funds permitted under the law.

Since Texas has extremely rigid eligibility guidelines, persons with income or assets just over the limits might consider putting their additional funds into qualified income trusts or irrevocable funeral trusts. Be aware that both these financial vehicles may require assistance in their creation. Read more about Medicaid planning.  

Benefits and Services

Under STAR+PLUS traditional health care and long-term care support are integrated. Accordingly, the program helps pay for a broad range of medical and care services, including:

• Adult Day Care
• Adult Foster Care
• Assisted Living
• Delivered Meals
• Environmental Adaptive Aids
• Home Modifications
• Home Care
• Medical Care
• Personal Care (assistance with the activities of daily living)
• Personal Emergency Response Service
• Respite Care

How to Apply / Learn More

The STAR+PLUS program is available statewide. One can learn more about the program on the STAR+PLUS website or by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging. To apply for this Waiver or Texas Medicaid (if not already enrolled), one should visit the Your Texas Benefits website.

As of April 2017, state officials report that the STAR+PLUS has met its maximum allowed number of participants for the year. New, at-home applicants are placed on a waiting list. Waiting times are estimated to be over a year.

Nursing home Medicaid participants are prioritized over at-home applicants. If your loved one is in a nursing home on Medicaid and wants to return home or move to assisted living, you should contact a STAR+PLUS caseworker to discuss the options.