Medicaid waiver programs
In-home support through Texas Medicaid programs
Medicaid can help some people receive care at home instead of in a facility. If your loved one’s plan or program covers in-home services, we may be able to provide that support. Call us and we will check with you.
In plain words
What are Medicaid waiver programs?
Medicaid is a health coverage program run by the state and federal government. Some Medicaid programs pay for home and community-based services. These services help older adults and people with disabilities get support at home, so they can stay in their community instead of moving into a nursing facility.
These programs are often called waiver programs, because they “waive” some of the usual Medicaid rules to allow care at home.
In Texas, these include programs such as STAR+PLUS, which serves adults age 65 and older and adults with disabilities, as well as waiver programs for people with disabilities.
Who decides eligibility?
Eligibility for Medicaid and for waiver programs is decided by the State of Texas or by your Medicaid health plan, not by our agency. The state or your plan also decides which services, and how many hours, are approved.
If you are not sure whether your loved one qualifies, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and your health plan are the right places to ask. We are glad to help you understand the questions to ask.
How we can help
When your loved one’s plan or program authorizes in-home services, we may be able to provide:
- Personal attendant services
- Help with bathing, dressing and grooming
- Meal preparation and light housekeeping
- Other in-home support your plan or program authorizes
Every plan and program is different, so we will confirm with you whether we can serve your loved one under their plan.
Getting started
How to get started
The first step is simply a phone call. We will listen and help you figure out what comes next.
Call us
Reach us at (469) 891-6713. Tell us about your loved one and the Medicaid plan or program they have.
We confirm the details
We check whether we can serve your loved one under their plan or program, and explain what we find.
Care begins
Once services are authorized, we plan the schedule with you and begin care at home.
Helpful to have ready
What to have on hand when you call
You do not need everything to get started, but these details help us answer your questions faster:
- Your loved one’s Medicaid ID or health plan card
- The name of their Medicaid plan or program
- Contact details for their service coordinator or case manager, if they have one
- A short description of the help they need at home
Related services
Other ways we can help
Questions
Medicaid waiver FAQ
Can you tell me if my loved one qualifies for Medicaid?
We cannot decide eligibility. That decision belongs to the State of Texas or your Medicaid health plan. We can help you understand the process and the questions to ask.
What is STAR+PLUS?
STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid program for adults age 65 and older and adults with disabilities. It can include services that help people stay at home. Your health plan decides which services are approved.
Do you work with my loved one’s Medicaid plan?
Please call us at (469) 891-6713 with the plan or program name. We will confirm whether we can serve your loved one under it.
What if Medicaid does not cover everything we need?
Some families combine Medicaid services with private pay, long-term care insurance or VA benefits. See paying for care for more about these options.