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Cost by state · Texas
The Cost of Elder Care in Texas (2026)
Texas care costs sit near or below the national median, which is good news — but the state's main Medicaid program runs on an 'interest list' that can take years, so starting early matters more here than almost anywhere.
Updated June 2026 · Costs calibrated to 2025 published medians
| Type of care in Texas | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| In-home care (per hour) | $30/hr |
| In-home care (~30 hrs/week) | $3,900/mo |
| Adult day care (per day) | $55/day |
| Assisted living | $5,200/mo |
| Memory care | $6,500/mo |
| Nursing home (private room) | $8,200/mo |
How Texas pays for care: STAR+PLUS
Texas delivers most of its long-term care through STAR+PLUS, a Medicaid managed-care program for adults 65+ and adults with disabilities. Through the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver, a resident who would otherwise need a nursing facility can instead receive personal care, adult day care, home modifications, respite, and personal emergency response systems at home or in assisted living.
- Care can be "consumer-directed" — meaning you can hire and supervise your own caregiver, and certain family members can be paid.
- Room and board in assisted living is not covered; STAR+PLUS pays for the care portion, not the rent and meals.
- Eligibility requires a "nursing facility level of care," assessed by a managed-care organization and signed off by a physician.
Where to start in Texas
Contact Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) to request a STAR+PLUS assessment, or reach your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116). Ask specifically to be added to the interest list right away.
Estimate Texas care costs for your situation
Use the free calculator to adjust care type and hours for Texas, see what support may cover, and email yourself the plan — or get the full 16-page Planning Kit.
Open the Texas calculator → Get the Planning Kit — $24 →Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing home cost in Texas in 2026?
A private room in a Texas nursing home runs roughly $8,200 per month as a planning estimate — below the national median, though prices vary by region. Assisted living averages around $5,200 and memory care around $6,500.
What is the STAR+PLUS interest list and how do I join it?
STAR+PLUS is the Texas Medicaid managed-care program that can pay for in-home and assisted-living care. Its waiting list is called an 'interest list,' and your place is dated from when you first call — so contact Texas HHSC or your Area Agency on Aging to get your parent added as early as possible, even before paperwork is complete.
Can family members be paid caregivers in Texas?
Yes. Some STAR+PLUS services are 'consumer-directed,' meaning the participant can hire and supervise their own caregiver, and certain family members are eligible to be paid for providing that care.
Cost figures are planning estimates calibrated to published 2025 median rates and adjusted for Texas; actual prices vary by provider, region within the state, and level of care. Program names and rules are summarized for general education and change over time — confirm current details with the official state agency. This is not legal, financial, or benefits advice. © 2026 CarePath.