How to Pay for Home Care in Houston

Most families assume Medicare will cover home care. It does not, Medicare covers home health (skilled nursing for a limited window after discharge), but not the daily companion or personal care that older adults actually need. Here is the realistic picture for Houston families.

Long-term care insurance (LTCI)

If your family member purchased LTCI 10 or 20 years ago, this is almost always the primary funding source. We are one of the only Houston agencies with deep LTCI claim management experience. We file the claim, document daily activities to insurer standards, and bill the carrier directly. Your family writes no checks unless they choose to.

VA Aid & Attendance

Veterans and surviving spouses who served during a wartime period may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance, a tax-free benefit that contributes meaningfully toward home care. Most veteran families never apply because the paperwork is daunting. We help. Our daily care records meet VA documentation standards.

Texas Medicaid

Medicaid in Texas covers home and community-based services through STAR+PLUS for those who qualify financially and clinically. Eligibility requires careful planning, typically with an elder law attorney. We work with several Houston-area attorneys who handle Medicaid spend-down planning.

Medicare, what it really covers

Medicare covers short-term home health services after a hospital discharge, prescribed by a physician, typically a few weeks. It does not cover ongoing custodial care, companion services, 24-hour care, or live-in care. For most older adults, Medicare is not the answer.

Private pay and asset planning

Many Houston families pay privately, often combined with LTCI or VA benefits. With a financial advisor, we can structure care around preserving liquid assets and using insurance benefits first.