In Texas, Medicaid is available to seniors aged 65 and older, people with disabilities and children and their caregivers. Medicaid provides free and low-cost health care services to individuals who qualify based on income and other criteria, based on the program that best suits their needs.
Depending on the specific program through which a senior is enrolled, Medicaid benefits may include:
- Doctor appointments and hospital stays
- Community-based services
- Dental, vision and hearing care
- Laboratory services
- Prescription drugs
- Nursing home care
Seniors may qualify for Medicaid through one of three programs if they also meet certain financial criteria. These programs are:
- The Medicaid Buy-In program, where individuals who are working, have a disability and don’t live in an institution can pay monthly to receive benefits
SSI Medicaid Seniors who meet the below financial limits and are at least 65 years old, blind or disabled are entitled to receive SSI Medicaid:
- Individuals earning no more than $771 in monthly income and with no more than $2,000 in assets; countable assets for Medicaid don’t include the senior’s home, primary vehicle and personal belongings such as furniture
- Married couples earning no more than $1,157 in monthly income and with no more than $3,000 in assets
Long-Term Care To receive long-term care, seniors must be at least 65 years old or have a disability lasting at least 12 months and require at least 30 consecutive days of continuous care. For this program, seniors must pay a portion of their health care costs before receiving free services, and the following financial limits apply:
- Individuals can earn no more than $2,313 in monthly income and have no more than $2,000 in assets.
- Married couples can earn no more than $4,626 in monthly income and have no more than $3,000 in assets. For married couples where only one partner applies, the spouse not applying may keep up to $126,420 in assets.
While those who live in a nursing home and meet the financial limits are entitled to receive Medicaid services, seniors who wish to receive benefits in an assisted living facility must enroll in a waiver program.
STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services Waiver The
STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver may be an option for Richardson seniors who would like to receive long-term care while living in an assisted living facility.
To qualify, a senior must:
- Require a nursing home level of care
- Be approved for Medicaid and meet the Medicaid SSI or long-term care program financial limits
- Not be enrolled in any other Medicaid waiver program
Services available through this waiver include:
- Assisted living
- Service coordination
- Respite care
- Personal assistance
- At-home nursing
- Home-delivered meals
- Occupational, physical and speech therapies
- Medical equipment
- Dental care
To apply for Medicaid services, seniors can complete the form
online or call (877) 541-7905.
Richardson seniors interested in STAR+PLUS should call (877) 782-6440. Those approved for Medicaid and STAR+PLUS receive a packet in the mail detailing their medical plan choices. Seniors should select a plan and return the packet within 15 days of receipt.