Who Qualifies for In-Home Care Coverage in Dallas/Garland, TX?

Navigating the financial side of home care can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on finding the right support for someone you love. The good news is that many families in the Dallas and Garland, Texas area have access to programs that can help cover the cost of professional in-home care — and understanding your eligibility is the first step toward getting that support in place.

At ComForCare Home Care of Dallas/Garland, we offer a full range of personalized services designed to help seniors live safely and independently at home. From in-home care for daily living assistance to specialized dementia care through our evidence-based DementiaWise® program, our team is here to provide compassionate support tailored to each person’s unique needs. We’re also here to help families understand what coverage options may be available to them.

Texas Medicaid Home Care Eligibility: What You Need to Know

For many families asking who qualifies for home care in Dallas, Medicaid is the first program to explore. Texas offers home and community-based services through its STAR+PLUS waiver program, administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). This is the state’s primary Medicaid managed care program for individuals who are aged 65 or older, or who have a disability, and who need a nursing facility level of care but wish to remain at home.

To be eligible for Medicaid home care in Texas, applicants must meet both financial and functional criteria. On the financial side, a single applicant must generally have a monthly income at or below $2,829 (as of current federal guidelines) and countable assets of no more than $2,000. For married couples where only one spouse is applying, the community spouse may retain additional assets under spousal impoverishment protections. It’s important to note that certain assets — such as a primary home, one vehicle, and personal belongings — are typically not counted toward the asset limit.

Functionally, applicants must require a level of care consistent with what would be provided in a nursing facility. A needs assessment conducted through HHSC will evaluate daily living activities, cognitive status, and overall medical needs to determine eligibility for Texas Medicaid home care services.

Applying for STAR+PLUS begins through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Families in the Dallas and Garland area can contact HHSC directly or visit a local benefits office to start the application process. Because the process involves documentation, timelines, and appeals in some cases, many families find it helpful to work with a benefits navigator or elder law attorney familiar with Texas Medicaid home care eligibility requirements.

VA Benefits for Home Care in Texas

Veterans and surviving spouses living in the Dallas/Garland area may also have access to home care coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA eligibility criteria are federally standardized, meaning the qualifications are consistent regardless of where you live in Texas or across the country.

Key VA programs that may cover in-home care include the Aid and Attendance pension benefit, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), and the Veteran-Directed Care program. Eligibility is generally based on wartime service history, discharge status, medical need, and in some cases, financial need. Veterans who believe they may qualify are encouraged to connect with a local VA benefits counselor or a Veterans Service Organization for personalized guidance.

Coverage Eligibility: Other Options to Consider

Beyond Medicaid and VA benefits, some seniors in the Dallas and Garland area may have access to home care funding through long-term care insurance policies, Medicare (for short-term skilled care needs following hospitalization), or local and state-funded assistance programs. Every situation is different, and understanding the full picture of coverage eligibility can make a meaningful difference for families trying to plan ahead.

Serving Dallas, Garland, and the Surrounding Communities

ComForCare Home Care proudly serves seniors and families throughout Dallas, Garland, and the surrounding North Texas communities. Our team brings compassionate, personalized care directly to your door — and we’re committed to helping families access the resources they need to make home care sustainable and dignified.

If you’re ready to take the next step, visit our Dallas/Garland home care office page to learn more about our services and speak with a care coordinator who can help guide you through your options.

For a deeper look at local funding resources and tips for navigating benefits in this area, explore our benefits and eligibility blog for Dallas and Garland, TX — your local guide to understanding home care coverage in Texas.