Community Care for the Aged and Disabled
Community Care for the Aged and Disabled (CCAD) is the state’s non-Medicaid program that provides assistance to seniors and those with disabilities. It is designed to help those who may not be eligible for Medicaid by providing access to a range of care options including assisted living and home care.
Applicants must be 65 years of age or older and require daily supportive services. The program requires applicants to have an income that doesn’t exceed $2,250 per month and assets that don’t exceed $5,000.
To apply or learn more about the application process, seniors can visit their local Aging and Disability Resource Center or call 1-855-937-2372.
Community First Choice
The Community First Choice (CFC) program is part of the state Medicaid program. It provides seniors 65 years and older with access to medical care, nurse visits and assisted living services. The program is intended for seniors who require a nursing level care but would prefer to continue living in their home or in an assisted living facility.
To be eligible, seniors must meet the financial requirements of the STAR+PLUS program and be 65 years of age or older. To apply, seniors can call 1-866-566-8989.
Optional State Supplement
Most government assistance programs, including Medicaid, only provide financial assistance with the cost of services provided in long-term care facilities. This leaves seniors paying out of pocket for room and board costs, which in some cases, isn’t possible. The optional state supplement (OSS) exists to provide seniors with financial support when such a scenario arises. The OSS is paid in cash to low-income seniors who reside in long-term care facilities and is intended to pay for the cost of room and board.
The OSS is only available to Supplemental Security Income recipients and can be applied for by calling the Texas Department of Health and Human Services at 1-855-937-2372.
Long-Term Care Insurance
A long-term care insurance policy typically must be purchased before the need for long-term care arises, but the policy covers the cost of long-term care in an approved assisted living or nursing home facility.
The cost of this insurance varies depending on the provider and the plan, as does the deductible. Most insurance providers also take into account the age and health condition of the policyholder when determining rates and eligibility.
Elderlife Bridge Loan
Elderlife Financial Services provides seniors with an alternative option when they’re unable to receive government assistance. Elderlife bridge loans can make it easier for seniors to pay for the cost of long-term care. Loans are paid directly to the applicant’s assisted living facility upon approval, and seniors may pay back the loan in installments. Loans come with flexible terms and low interest rates.
While eligibility depends on credit history and income, seniors who may not be able to obtain approval alone may apply with up to six cosigners, which may increase the likelihood of approval.