Greater Houston Senior Living Guide
STAR+PLUS Home Health Coverage in Houston
STAR+PLUS is the primary Medicaid managed care program for Houston-area adults age 21 and older who have disabilities or are age 65+. It combines acute care and long-term services and supports (LTSS) into a single plan managed by an MCO.
How STAR+PLUS Works for Home Health
When you enroll in STAR+PLUS, HHSC assigns you to a managed care organization (MCO). Your MCO coordinates all your medical care and long-term services. For home health, your MCO must authorize services and your agency must be contracted with that specific MCO.
In the Greater Houston area (HHSC Regions 6, 7, and 8), STAR+PLUS is administered by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Molina Healthcare of Texas, Amerigroup Texas, and Aetna Better Health of Texas. You can choose or be auto-assigned to one MCO. If you are not satisfied, you can request a transfer during the first 90 days or during annual open enrollment.
Dual Eligible (Medicare + Medicaid)
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you are considered "dual eligible." Medicare pays for skilled home health services first, and Medicaid (through STAR+PLUS) wraps around to cover long-term personal attendant services that Medicare does not cover. Your MCO coordinates both benefit streams.
Who Qualifies for STAR+PLUS?
- Adults 21 and older who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Adults 65 and older who meet Medicaid income and asset limits
- People who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid
- Adults with disabilities who meet functional need criteria
- People transitioning from a nursing facility back to the community
What Home Health Services Are Covered?
- Skilled nursing visits (wound care, IV therapy, injections, medication management)
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Personal attendant services (PAS) — bathing, dressing, meals, mobility help
- Community First Choice (CFC) attendant services
- Durable medical equipment (DME) and medical supplies
- Adaptive aids and minor home modifications
- Emergency response services (PERS)
- Transition assistance services (moving from facility to home)
What Is NOT Covered?
- Room and board (STAR+PLUS does not pay rent or mortgage)
- Custodial care without a medical or functional need
- Services from agencies not contracted with your MCO
- Experimental or investigational treatments
How to Enroll
- Confirm you are enrolled in Medicaid — apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1.
- If you meet STAR+PLUS criteria (age 21+, SSI, disability), HHSC enrolls you into STAR+PLUS automatically.
- Choose an MCO during your enrollment window, or accept the auto-assigned MCO.
- Contact your MCO to request a home health assessment and service authorization.
- Select a home health agency contracted with your MCO — use our directory to find one.
For eligibility questions, call the HHSC Benefits Helpline at 2-1-1 or visit hhs.texas.gov.
Find an Agency That Accepts STAR+PLUS
Browse HHSC-licensed home health agencies in the Houston area that accept STAR+PLUS.
Find STAR+PLUS Agencies →FAQ
STAR+PLUS — Frequently Asked Questions
Does STAR+PLUS pay for 24-hour home care?
STAR+PLUS can authorize a significant number of attendant hours per week, but true 24/7 coverage is rare and typically reserved for people who would otherwise require nursing facility placement. Your MCO determines the number of hours based on a functional assessment.
Can I choose my home health agency with STAR+PLUS?
Yes, you can choose any agency contracted with your MCO. If your preferred agency is not in-network, you can ask the agency to apply for a contract with your MCO, though there is no guarantee of approval.
What happens if my agency is not contracted with my MCO?
Your MCO will only pay for services from contracted providers. If you want to use an out-of-network agency, you would need to pay out of pocket or request that the agency apply for an MCO contract.
Can I switch MCOs in STAR+PLUS?
You can switch MCOs during the first 90 days of enrollment and during the annual open enrollment period. After 90 days, you need to show cause (such as moving or losing your provider) to switch mid-year.
Does STAR+PLUS cover hospice at home?
Yes. If a STAR+PLUS member elects the Medicare or Medicaid hospice benefit, hospice services are carved out of the MCO and paid directly by Medicaid fee-for-service or Medicare. Your MCO continues to cover non-hospice services.
Related Medicaid Programs
This guide is for informational purposes only. Houston Senior Living Guide is not affiliated with HHSC, CMS, or any MCO.