How to Apply for Texas Nursing Home Medicaid

The round-the-clock care provided in a nursing home is costly. Unfortunately, many people in need of constant care are unable to afford the high expense of paying for a nursing home. In Texas, Medicaid covers nursing home care. Medicaid is health insurance for low-income individuals. Although Medicaid is a federal program, the state of Texas outlines its own criteria for qualifying for coverage. Once the requirements are met, applying for Medicaid is simple.

Instructions

• 1

  Meet the eligibility group requirements for nursing home Medicaid. You must be at least 65 years of age or determined to be blind or disabled, and have a need for nursing home care.

• 2

  Meet the income requirements. If a couple plan to enter a nursing home, their income cannot exceed $3,618 a month. An individual entering a nursing home cannot make more than $1,809. The income includes both earned and unearned income. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission requires any income that is received in a person's name to be counted regardless of whether it is community or separate income.

• 3

  Meet the asset requirements. A couple cannot have more than $3,000 in countable assets to apply for coverage. The limit for an individual is $2,000. Exempt assets include your home, vehicle and personal property. If you fail to meet the income requirements, but do not exceed the maximum resource limit, you can still apply for coverage as long as your income is not enough to cover the nursing home expenses.

• 4

  Select an approved nursing home. Make sure the nursing home you select accepts Medicaid. Once you decide on a nursing home, ask the nursing home adminstrator for the Texas Health and Human Services caseworker assigned to the nursing home. The caseworker accepts applications for that particular nursing home.

• 5

  Complete the application. If you are unsure of the nursing home, visit your local Texas Health and Human Services office to obtain an application in person or online. Provide personal and financial information. After submitting the application, a caseworker will contact you if additional information or verification is needed.