What Does STAR+PLUS Not Cover? Room and Board Explained
STAR+PLUS HCBS pays for care, not housing. This article explains the room-and-board charge so there are no surprises.
Assisted-living residents in STAR+PLUS HCBS pay a room-and-board charge. Medicaid covers the care services; the resident covers the cost of their apartment and meals.
What room and board means
Room and board is the cost of the living space and daily meals — the housing side of assisted living. Because Medicaid pays for services rather than housing, this portion remains the resident's responsibility.
What is not covered
- Room and board (housing and meals)
- The full private-pay rent of an apartment
- Personal items and expenses outside the approved care plan
Why the amount can vary
The room-and-board charge can be affected by the resident's income and applied income rules. Our cost and room and board guide and the article on why families still receive a monthly charge walk through the details.
Frequently asked questions
Does STAR+PLUS pay room and board?
No. STAR+PLUS HCBS covers care services, not room and board. The resident is responsible for the cost of housing and meals.
How much is room and board?
It varies by facility and can be affected by the resident's income. Ask the facility for the current room-and-board charge and how applied income is handled.