HCBS STAR+PLUS Waiver
In Texas, the HCBS STAR+PLUS waiver covers assisted living support. This program offers high-level benefits for seniors with complex health needs. Because STAR+PLUS offers this waiver, medical care providers, such as Amerigroup and UnitedHealthcare, coordinate these services. Primary care providers — usually doctors, nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants — work with service coordinators to determine eligibility. Once seniors are deemed eligible, their waiver services are authorized by the local Texas Health and Human Services STAR+PLUS support unit, as only state agencies can approve or deny waiver services.
The HCBS STAR+PLUS Waiver, or SPW, is the category of Medicaid eligibility for assisted living services. Seniors who have SPW benefits also have coverage for dental services, adaptive aids, medical equipment/supplies, physical therapy and nutritional services.
For more information on the HCBS STAR+PLUS waiver, seniors should contact their primary care provider or designated service coordinator. They can also call the Austin branch of the HHS at 1-855-839-3237.
Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities
Waiver seniors who have a diagnosis of deafblindness and one additional condition may be eligible for the DBMD waiver. This program is a component of the state’s intellectual and developmental disability services, and the local IDD authority (LIDDA) coordinates support for eligible seniors. The program provides people with community-based services, residential options, behavioral support and specialized therapies. Assisted living benefits are available, as are adaptive aids, audiology, orientation training, language therapy and case management.
For more information on the DBMD waiver, individuals can call the local Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-937-2372.