In Texas, Medicaid is available as a public health-insurance option to children and their caregivers, seniors and people with disabilities who meet the following income and asset requirements:
- Income under $2,303 per month or under $4,626 per month for married couples
- Less than $2,000, or $3,000 for married couples, in countable assets, including cash, savings and bonds
Medicaid benefits include doctor’s visits, hospitalization, dental care, prescription drugs and, for those who qualify, long-term services.
Seniors and those with disabilities may be able to participate in one of the following Medicaid options:
1. The
Medicaid for long-term care program is for seniors over age 65 or those with a disability lasting 12 months or more. Participants must use their own money (excluding a small amount to cover personal needs) to pay a portion of the cost and may receive services such as nursing home care, at-home care or residence in a facility for people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.
2. People who are working, have a disability and don’t live full-time in a care facility may be able to make monthly payments to receive Medicaid services through the
Medicaid Buy-in program.
3. People who receive Supplemental Security Income qualify for Medicaid.
While Medicaid does not directly cover assisted living in Texas, certain individuals may qualify for the STAR+PLUS waiver.
STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Lewisville residents who are 65 years and older or disabled may qualify for assisted living services through the
STAR+PLUS Medicaid waiver program. To qualify, interested applicants must be eligible for Medicaid and meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Be able to receive STAR+PLUS HCBS but not receiving Supplemental Security Income
- Receive SSI benefits and meet the Medicaid low-income requirements
- Qualify for Medicaid through a Social Security exclusion program
- Receive Medicaid while living in a nursing home or through the Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer program
STAR+PLUS services include assisted living, medical supplies, nursing and personal assistance services, therapies, respite and transitional assistance. These services are provided through one of two health plans available to Denton County residents: Amerigroup and HealthSpring.
Medicaid participants who qualify for the waiver receive an enrollment packet in the mail and should select their desired health plan, complete the enrollment form and mail it back within 30 days of receipt.
Lewisville residents can
apply for Medicaid benefits online or call (877) 541-7905.