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
- Medicaid for people who receive Supplemental Security Income
- Medicaid for long-term care
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.