In short
Texas has the largest senior population in the country after Florida, with assisted living averaging about $5,666 a month statewide. The state's STAR+PLUS managed care program covers long-term services and supports through nursing facilities and HCBS waivers, though the waitlist for home- and community-based services can run 18 months or more in some areas.
Texas’s senior care landscape
Texas has the largest senior population of any state after Florida, with senior care spread across massive metro areas (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin) and thousands of small towns. Assisted living is regulated through HHSC, which licenses Type A and Type B facilities with a Memory Care Endorsement option.
The state’s STAR+PLUS managed care program covers nursing home care and offers HCBS waivers for home- and community-based services, though the waitlist for waiver services can be 18 months or longer in some areas.
Texas is an income-cap state for Medicaid long-term care — seniors above the income limit need a Qualified Income Trust. The HHSC Long-Term Care Provider Search lets families look up any licensed facility’s inspection history.
What care costs in Texas
These are Texas-wide medians from the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey. Actual costs in your city can be higher or lower.
| Type of care | Texas median (2025) | National median (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living | $5,666 a month | $6,200 a month |
| Nursing home (semi-private) | $5,627 a month | $9,581 a month |
| Home care (44 hrs/wk) | $5,720 a month | $6,673 a month |
Not sure where to start?
Tell us where your parent is and what kind of care they need. We’ll tell you the options in their area and help you narrow to the few worth your time.
How Texas helps families pay
Texas programs that help seniors pay for care
- Medicaid long-term care
- Texas’ STAR+PLUS managed care program covers nursing home care and offers HCBS waivers for home- and community-based services including personal assistance, adult day care, and assisted living.
- Who qualifies
- Income limit of $2,982/month single (income cap state — income above this requires a Qualified Income Trust). Asset limit of $2,000 single.
- Where to start
- Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area (AAACAP), 512-916-6062 (toll-free 888-622-9111); or call 211
- Veterans
- VA Aid and Attendance pension for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
- Medicare
- Does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. Covers short rehab stays.
Sources: Texas Health and Human Services Commission; AAACAP; Medicare.gov; VA.gov. Rules change; confirm current eligibility.
Our Texas city pages
Each city page has specific cost ranges, local Area Agency on Aging contacts, neighborhood guidance, and answers to local questions.
| City | County | Typical AL cost |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | Williamson County | $4,500 to $6,000/mo |
Questions families ask
Does Texas have a Medicaid program for assisted living?
Yes. STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver covers community-based services including assisted living for qualifying seniors. The waitlist can be 18 months or more in some areas.
Is Texas an income-cap state for Medicaid?
Yes. Income above about $2,982/month requires a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) to qualify for long-term care Medicaid.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Texas?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living or any form of long-term custodial care.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, carescout.com/cost-of-care; State agency websites; Medicare.gov; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved October 8, 2026.