How to apply for Texas STAR+PLUS — Medicaid Managed Care + Long-Term Services and Supports

Who it's for

STAR+PLUS is Texas Medicaid's managed-care program for adults age 65+ and adults with disabilities. It bundles full Medicaid medical coverage with long-term services and supports (LTSS) — the in-home personal care, adult day care, home modifications, personal emergency response systems, and respite care that keep older Texans out of nursing facilities. Members must first qualify for Texas Medicaid (typically via the tx.medicaid_abd pathway for non-LTSS members, or via the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver for members at risk of nursing-home placement). All STAR+PLUS members are assigned a service coordinator who arranges medical care and long-term services. The STAR+PLUS HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waiver expands Medicaid LTSS eligibility to people whose income exceeds the regular Medicaid limit but is below 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate ($2,901/month single 2026), provided they meet a nursing-facility level of care criterion. Apply through HHSC at YourTexasBenefits.com, by calling 2-1-1, or by calling HHSC at 1-800-252-8263. The STAR+PLUS HCBS waitlist (interest list) can have multi-year waits — apply early if Medicaid LTSS may be needed.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 65+ (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, birth certificate, or Medicare card)
• Proof of all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statement, SSI award letter)
• Proof of all countable resources (bank statements, brokerage statements)
• Proof of Texas residency
• Medical documentation supporting nursing-facility level of care (for the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver pathway)
• Social Security number
• Photo identification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Texas STAR+PLUS — Medicaid Managed Care + Long-Term Services and Supports. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 65+ (texas driver's license, texas id, birth certificate, or medicare card), proof of all household income (social security award letter, pension statement, ssi award letter), proof of all countable resources (bank statements, brokerage statements) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents before you apply. You will need: proof of age 65+ (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, birth certificate, or Medicare card); proof of all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statement, or SSI award letter); proof of all countable resources (bank statements or brokerage statements); proof of Texas residency; your Social Security number; and a photo ID. If you are applying for the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver, also gather medical documentation showing a nursing-facility level of care.
2. Understand which pathway fits your situation. Regular STAR+PLUS Medicaid covers adults who meet standard Texas Medicaid income and resource limits. The STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver is for Texans at risk of nursing-facility placement whose income is above the regular Medicaid limit but below 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate ($2,901 per month for a single person in 2026). If you think you may need long-term services in the future, apply for the HCBS waiver early — the interest list can have multi-year waits in some areas, and applying now starts the clock.
3. Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by calling 2-1-1, or by calling Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) directly at 1-800-252-8263. Choose whichever channel is easiest for you or your caregiver.
4. Complete the full application. Answer all questions about income, resources, household members, and medical needs. If applying for the HCBS waiver, make sure the nursing-facility level of care documentation is included.
5. Submit your application and keep a copy of everything you send. Note any confirmation number or reference number given to you by HHSC.
6. Respond promptly if HHSC contacts you for additional information or a follow-up interview. Missing a request can delay or stop your application.
7. Once enrolled, expect to be assigned to a Managed Care Organization in your service area. A service coordinator will be assigned to you automatically to help arrange both medical care and any long-term services and supports you qualify for.

What to expect: After submitting, HHSC will review your application and may contact you for additional information — processing times vary, so ask HHSC for an estimate when you apply. If approved for regular STAR+PLUS Medicaid, you will be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization serving your area and automatically assigned a service coordinator. If you are placed on the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver interest list, you will be notified of your position; waits can span multiple years in some service areas, which is why applying early is strongly encouraged. Once enrolled in the HCBS waiver, your service coordinator will help arrange in-home personal care, adult day care, home modifications, personal emergency response systems, and respite care for family caregivers. All STAR+PLUS members must complete an annual redetermination to confirm continued eligibility — watch for renewal notices from HHSC and respond by the deadline to avoid a gap in coverage.

Renewals

annual redetermination