STAR+PLUS Assisted Living in Texas: Complete Family Guide
If you are just beginning to look into Medicaid assisted living for a parent or spouse, this guide walks you through the whole picture in the order most families need it.
What is STAR+PLUS?
STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid managed-care program for adults age 65 and older and adults with disabilities. Members receive their Medicaid services through a managed-care organization (MCO) they choose, and a service coordinator helps arrange their care.
What is STAR+PLUS HCBS?
HCBS stands for Home and Community Based Services. This part of STAR+PLUS provides long-term services and supports to people who would otherwise need nursing-facility care but can be safely served in the community — including in an assisted living facility. This is the piece that connects STAR+PLUS to assisted living.
Does STAR+PLUS pay for assisted living?
For eligible members, yes — it can pay for assisted-living services through HCBS. It does not pay the room-and-board charge. We explain the difference in detail in does Texas Medicaid pay for assisted living.
Who qualifies?
In general, HHSC guidance says STAR+PLUS HCBS applicants must be a Texas resident, financially eligible for Medicaid, and have approved medical necessity for nursing-facility level of care. Applicants for HCBS services are generally 21 or older.
- Texas residency and U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status
- Financial (income and asset) eligibility for Medicaid
- Approved medical necessity for nursing-facility level of care
How to apply
Applications typically go through Your Texas Benefits and your MCO. There can be an interest list (waitlist) for HCBS services. See the step-by-step in our how to apply guide.
How Reunion Inn helps families
Reunion Inn Assisted Living in Tyler accepts eligible STAR+PLUS Medicaid Waiver residents. Our admissions team helps families understand the process, coordinate with the MCO service coordinator, and figure out whether Reunion Inn may be the right fit. Call (903) 581-6100 to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
Is STAR+PLUS the same as Medicaid?
STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid managed-care program. Being on Medicaid does not automatically mean you receive STAR+PLUS HCBS assisted-living services — those require meeting additional program and medical-necessity requirements.
Where should a family start?
Start by confirming Medicaid financial eligibility and asking about STAR+PLUS HCBS and the interest list. Then work with the MCO service coordinator on the medical-necessity assessment. Reunion Inn can help you understand each step.