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Texas Medicaid long-term care

The eligibility rules and the actual application path in Texas. We link to the state agency at every step and we do not submit anything for you.

Who to apply with

Texas Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD)
Official agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Income and asset rules

Monthly income limit (applicant, SSI-based)
$994 USD/month (individual, SSI-based) · couple $1,491

SSI-based limit used for initial certification of community-based MEPD programs, effective Jan 1 2026. Institutional (nursing facility) budgets use a different test — see the state handbook.

Source: official document · reviewed 2026-09-30

Higher MEPD income scale (where applicable)
$2,982 USD/month (individual) · couple $5,964

Second SSI-based scale published in the same handbook table (MEPD programs tested against a higher limit), effective Jan 1 2026.

Source: official document · reviewed 2026-09-30

Countable asset limit (applicant)
$2,000 USD (individual) · couple $3,000

Unchanged since 1989 — the handbook states this limit applies '1989 through present'. This is the standard SSI resource limit, not the community spouse allowance.

Source: official document · reviewed 2026-09-30

Community spouse income allowance

Data pending verification. Not yet verified against the state agency. We publish figures only after they are checked against the official source, with the source and review date shown. This field has not been verified yet — check the state agency directly in the meantime.

Community spouse resource allowance

Texas uses a 'spend down' (co-payment) mechanism when income exceeds the limit for the program being applied for. The co-payment rules are in Chapter H of the MEPD handbook.

Home and community based services

STAR+PLUS HCBS (home and community based services)
Eligibility detail pending verification.

A waiver usually requires meeting both the financial rules and a functional (level-of-care) test. Waiting lists vary by waiver and by year.

How the application works

1. Apply through HHSC or YourTexasBenefits
Texas MEPD applications are filed with HHSC. You can apply online, by phone at 2-1-1, or in person at a local office. · official page
2. Functional assessment
Detail pending verification.
3. Financial review (income, assets, spousal protections)
Detail pending verification.
4. Waiver interest list
HCBS waiver programs in Texas maintain interest lists. Being financially eligible does not guarantee immediate services.
5. Choose services and providers
Detail pending verification.

Before you file

Rules change annually — always confirm with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Transfers of assets in the look-back period can create a penalty period. That is a question for an elder law attorney, not a website.
You can apply directly. You never have to pay a service to file for you.

We are an independent informational and tools site. We are not a government agency, not a healthcare provider, and not a licensed referral agency under California CCR Title 22 or Florida Stat. 429.195. We do not place people into facilities and we do not charge families. Nothing here is legal, medical or financial advice — always confirm current rules with the state agency or a licensed professional.

Texas Medicaid long-term care

Who to apply with

Income and asset rules

Home and community based services

How the application works

Before you file

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