Memory Care in Texas

Texas is the second-most populated state in the U.S., home to just over 30 million people. Of them, 13.1% are over 65, an age at which symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s increasingly start to present. Alzheimer’s can cause a loss of memory and personality changes and eventually make self-care difficult. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. In Texas, Alzheimer’s-related deaths increased by 36.9% between 2016 and 2020. Comparatively, total deaths during the same period increased by 32.73%. These figures highlight the importance of dementia care.

Throughout the state, a wide range of memory care facilities exist to preserve the health and wellness of people with Alzheimer’s. These communities use evidence-based interventions to maintain and improve cognition and assist with activities of daily living. This guide provides an overview on the cost of memory care in Texas as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in the Lone Star State.

The Cost of Memory Care in Texas

At $4,998 per month, the average cost of memory care in Texas is around $179 higher per month than in neighboring Oklahoma. Costs are also higher than in Louisiana ($4,685) and Arkansas ($4,700), but lower than in the western neighbor of New Mexico, where memory care costs $5,623 on average per month.

Memory care costs in Texas vary across the state, ranging from around $3,463 on average per month in Texarkana to $7,000 in Victoria. Monthly rates in the state capital of Austin are around $6,682. For comparison, average monthly memory care costs are $5,307 in Houston, $5,244 in Dallas and $6,063 in McAllen.

There are many long-term residential care services for seniors in Texas in addition to memory care. Average costs of adult day health care are $796 per month, while average monthly rates in a skilled nursing community are $5,125 and $7,092 for semiprivate and private rooms respectively. Prices for in-home care and health care average $4,576 per month, and assisted living care costs approximately $3,998 for a month.

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Texas?

In Texas, Medicaid doesn’t directly cover memory care. However, seniors who qualify for Medicaid can apply for the STAR+PLUS waiver, which replaced the Community Based Alternatives (CBA) waiver in 2014. The managed care program is available for eligible adults aged 65 and over and adults with disabilities. The waiver provides Medicaid support and services through a health plan chosen by the individual. It covers a wide range of long-term medical and non-medical services for people who require nursing home level care, and services may be provided at home, in adult foster care or in a residential community such as an assisted living neighborhood.    

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Texas?

The STAR+PLUS waiver doesn’t cover room and board costs for seniors who are placed within a residential care community. It may, however, fund various rehabilitation therapies, access to medical specialists, respite care, day activities and nursing services. Recipients may also receive assistance with activities of daily living and personal assistance services. The STAR+PLUS waiver is not an entitlement program and applicants may be placed on a waiting list to receive services.  

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Texas

STAR+PLUS

STAR+PLUS is a managed care program available to eligible adults aged 65 and over and adults with disabilities. The waiver provides Medicaid support and services through a health plan chosen by the individual. It covers a wide range of long-term medical and non-medical services for people who require nursing home level care, and services may be provided at home, in adult foster care or in a residential community such as an assisted living neighborhood. The plan doesn’t cover room and board costs in residential facilities.

To apply or get more information, visit yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1.  

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Texas

In Texas, eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on a person’s income and assets. An applicant’s yearly household income (before taxes) must fall below a certain amount to be able to claim Medicaid assistance. For single people, this maximum income is $30,276, and for couples where both are applying the maximum household income is $60,552. Asset limits are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. In a two-person household where only one person applies, the spouse remaining at home has some financial protection with an asset limit of $137,400. 

*Per year

Eligibility for Medicaid for long-term care in Texas is also reliant on other criteria being met. These include age, citizenship and disability status. To qualify for Medicaid assistance in Texas you must:

• Be 65 years old or above, have a qualifying disability or be legally blind
• Be a full-time resident of Texas
• Be either a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, hold permanent residency or have legal alien status

How to Apply for Medicaid in Texas

Individuals can apply online for Medicaid in Texas via the Your Texas Benefits website. The online system is available 24/7, and applicants can save information, upload supporting documents and conveniently check the status of claims.  

Alternatively, seniors can complete a paper application form and return by mail or apply in person at either a Texas Health and Human Services benefits office or community partner. Additionally, applicants can call the toll-free Texas Medicaid hotline, operated by Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership, on (800) 925-9126.

Information You Will Need

Seniors will need to provide certain information when applying for Medicaid in Texas. This includes proof of all incomes, current statements for all bank accounts and information relating to insurance policies, such as life, health and burial insurance. Additional requirements include details of any stocks, bonds and shares, rental, mortgage or homeowner information and proof of recent medical expenses.   

You’ll also need to provide:

• Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or ID card
• Confirmation of citizenship or residency status
• Social security number
• Details of any other benefits you claim, such as veterans’ benefits, pension benefits, SSI and social security
• Proof of local residence in Texas, such as a recent utility bill or rent receipt
• Papers related to military service (if applicable)
• Details of active loans

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Texas

In Texas, seniors who require assistance with completing forms and filing Medicaid claims can contact professional advisers at Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership. Texas Health and Human Services can also provide information, assistance and signposting. Your Texas Benefits has lots of useful information and a prescreening tool. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), located across the state, have advisors who can help seniors with Medicaid issues, and some senior centers may offer Medicaid workshops and counseling.     

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Texas?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Texas. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Texas.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Texas

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Texas

Seniors in Texas who need memory care services can access several useful free and low-cost resources, including information, support groups, advocacy and benefits counseling. Many also offer education, guidance and support for family members.

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Texas

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including hhs.texas.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on (2/15/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Texas

Memory care in Texas is regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Department. Memory care facilities in the state are regulated as assisted living and care homes, in the same category as adult foster care, assisted living and some nursing homes. Facilities are classed according to the number of residents they house, with different tiers of staff, training and other requirements for each level.

Frequently Asked Questions