STAR+PLUS vs STAR+PLUS HCBS: What Families Need to Know
Families often use STAR+PLUS and STAR+PLUS HCBS interchangeably. They are related but not identical, and the distinction matters for assisted living.
STAR+PLUS: the managed-care program
STAR+PLUS is the Medicaid managed-care program itself. If a member is in STAR+PLUS, they get their Medicaid services — doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term services — through a managed-care organization (MCO) they select.
STAR+PLUS HCBS: the waiver-style services
STAR+PLUS HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) is the set of long-term services and supports for members who meet nursing-facility level of care but can be served in the community. This is the part that can help cover assisted-living services.
In short: being in STAR+PLUS is the doorway; qualifying for STAR+PLUS HCBS is what unlocks assisted-living service coverage.
Why the difference matters
To see whether your family member meets the HCBS bar, review our eligibility guide and what nursing-facility level of care means.
- A member can be in STAR+PLUS without receiving HCBS services.
- HCBS services require approved medical necessity for nursing-facility level of care.
- Assisted-living service coverage flows through HCBS, not STAR+PLUS generally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between STAR+PLUS and STAR+PLUS HCBS?
STAR+PLUS is the Medicaid managed-care program. STAR+PLUS HCBS is the set of home and community based long-term services for members who meet nursing-facility level of care. Assisted-living service coverage flows through HCBS.
Can I use STAR+PLUS at an assisted living facility?
Eligible members receiving STAR+PLUS HCBS may receive covered services in an assisted living facility that participates. The resident still pays room and board.