Greater Houston Senior Living Guide
STAR Medicaid Home Health Coverage in Houston
STAR is the basic Medicaid managed care program for children, pregnant women, and some parents and caretakers. Home health coverage under STAR is more limited than STAR+PLUS — it covers medically necessary skilled nursing and therapy but does not include long-term personal attendant services.
STAR vs. STAR+PLUS for Home Health
The key difference: STAR covers short-term, medically necessary home health (skilled nursing, therapy). STAR+PLUS covers both medical home health AND long-term personal attendant services (PAS). If you are on STAR and need ongoing daily living help, you may want to explore whether you qualify for STAR+PLUS.
In the Greater Houston area, STAR is administered by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Molina Healthcare of Texas, Amerigroup Texas, and Texas Children's Health Plan.
Who Qualifies for STAR (Regular Medicaid)?
- Children under 19 in qualifying families
- Pregnant women meeting income limits
- Parents and caretaker relatives meeting income limits
- Former foster care youth up to age 26
- Breast and cervical cancer treatment recipients
What Home Health Services Are Covered?
- Skilled nursing visits ordered by a physician
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Home health aide visits as part of a skilled plan of care
- Medical supplies related to the home health plan
What Is NOT Covered?
- Long-term personal attendant services (PAS) — available only through STAR+PLUS
- Community First Choice (CFC) — only available under STAR+PLUS
- Home modifications or adaptive aids
- Respite care
- Home-delivered meals
How to Enroll
- Apply for Medicaid at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1.
- If you qualify for Medicaid and are not eligible for STAR+PLUS or STAR Kids, you are enrolled in STAR.
- Choose an MCO during the enrollment window.
- Ask your doctor for a home health referral and your MCO for authorization.
- Select a home health agency contracted with your MCO.
For eligibility questions, call the HHSC Benefits Helpline at 2-1-1 or visit hhs.texas.gov.
Find an Agency That Accepts STAR (Regular Medicaid)
Browse HHSC-licensed home health agencies in the Houston area that accept STAR (Regular Medicaid).
Find STAR (Regular Medicaid) Agencies →FAQ
STAR (Regular Medicaid) — Frequently Asked Questions
Can STAR pay for someone to help me with daily tasks?
No. STAR does not cover personal attendant services (PAS). If you need ongoing help with bathing, dressing, and meals, you should check whether you qualify for STAR+PLUS, which does cover PAS.
How long does STAR home health last?
STAR home health is time-limited and tied to medical necessity. A typical skilled nursing episode might last 30-60 days. Your MCO authorizes a specific number of visits based on your doctor's orders.
Is home health under STAR free?
There are no copays or cost-sharing for Medicaid home health services under STAR. The MCO pays the agency directly.
What if I need more help than STAR provides?
If you are an adult with a disability or age 65+, you may qualify for STAR+PLUS, which provides long-term attendant services in addition to skilled home health.
Can I get more help than what STAR offers?
If you are an adult 21+ with a disability or age 65+, you may qualify for STAR+PLUS, which covers long-term personal attendant services in addition to skilled home health. Ask your MCO or call 2-1-1 to check eligibility.
Related Medicaid Programs
This guide is for informational purposes only. Houston Senior Living Guide is not affiliated with HHSC, CMS, or any MCO.