As we get older, it’s not just our health that needs attention—it’s our finances, too. Long-term care (LTC) is something many of us will need at some point in life, whether due to aging, a chronic illness, or disability. It’s one of those things we don’t always think about until it’s necessary.
But in Texas, where the population is growing and aging rapidly, it’s crucial to have a plan in place. Paying for long-term care can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate it with confidence. Let’s break down how to pay for long-term care and what options are available to Texas residents.
Why Long-Term Care Is Becoming More Important in Texas
Texas is home to a rapidly growing population, especially among seniors. By 2050, the number of people in Texas over the age of 65 is expected to double. With this increase, the need for long-term care will grow, too. According to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, there are over 3 million seniors in Texas today—and that number is only going up. It’s a good idea to start thinking about long-term care now, before the need arises, so you’re not caught off guard when the time comes.
Understanding the Costs of Long-Term Care
Long-term care isn’t a one-size-fits-all expense. Depending on your situation, the type of care you need, and where you live, the costs can vary. It’s essential to understand the financial side of things so you can plan accordingly.
Nursing Home Care
Nursing homes are the most expensive option for long-term care. In Texas, a semi-private room in a nursing home can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 a month, and a private room can be upwards of $8,000.
Assisted Living
If you don’t need constant medical supervision but still need assistance with daily activities, assisted living might be a good option. The average cost in Texas ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 per month.
Home Health Care
Many Texans prefer to receive care at home. The cost for home health care is typically around $20 to $30 per hour. If you need full-time care, this can add up quickly.
Adult Day Care
If you need care during the day but don’t require 24/7 help, adult day care might be a cost-effective option. In Texas, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 per month.
These costs can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a plan in place. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to pay for long-term care, and it’s important to explore all of your options.
Long-Term Care Insurance in Texas
One of the best ways to prepare for the costs of long-term care is by purchasing long-term care insurance (LTCI). This type of insurance helps cover expenses like nursing home stays, assisted living, and home health care.
The great thing about LTCI is that it’s customizable. You can choose the coverage that best fits your needs, the type of care you’re likely to require, and how long you want the benefits to last. By purchasing a policy early, you’ll lock in lower premiums. However, keep in mind that LTCI premiums can increase over time, and if you have a pre-existing condition, you might not qualify for coverage.
While LTCI can be a useful tool, it’s not the right option for everyone. It’s important to weigh the costs against the benefits and decide if it makes sense for you, given your health and financial situation.
Medicaid for Long-Term Care in Texas
For many Texans, Medicaid is a lifeline when it comes to long-term care. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to those with limited income and resources. In Texas, Medicaid also offers long-term care services for eligible individuals, including nursing home care and home health services.
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care, you’ll need to meet specific income and asset limits. As of 2025, the income limit for a single individual is about $2,742 per month, and for couples, it’s slightly higher. The asset limit is $2,000 for a single person. For married couples, the non-applicant spouse may be able to keep up to $137,400 in assets.
It’s important to remember that Medicaid has strict eligibility requirements. If you think you may qualify, it’s a good idea to contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to discuss your options.
Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection in Texas
If you’ve saved up assets over the years, you may need to engage in Medicaid planning to protect those assets while qualifying for Medicaid. There are several strategies that can help you preserve your wealth:
Spending Down
You can spend down your assets by paying for medical expenses or making home improvements. The goal is to bring your assets down to the Medicaid eligibility threshold.
Irrevocable Trusts
An irrevocable trust allows you to transfer assets to a trust that’s no longer considered part of your estate for Medicaid purposes. However, this strategy requires careful planning and consideration of Medicaid’s five-year look-back period.
Gifting
You can gift assets to family members, but be aware that Medicaid looks back five years at any large gifts. If you give away assets too close to applying for Medicaid, it could disqualify you for a period of time.
It’s important to work with an attorney who specializes in Medicaid planning and elder law to ensure your assets are protected while still qualifying for assistance. Please note that Bromlow Law does not specialize in Medicaid planning at this time.
Veterans’ Benefits for Long-Term Care
If you’re a veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran, you might qualify for additional financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers several programs to help cover the cost of long-term care, including:
Aid and Attendance
This program provides additional financial assistance to veterans and their surviving spouses who need help with daily activities, or those who are in a nursing home. You can use the benefits to pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.
Veterans’ Nursing Homes
Texas has several veterans’ nursing homes that offer lower-cost long-term care to eligible veterans.
If you or a loved one is a veteran, it’s worth reaching out to a VA representative to see if you qualify for these benefits.
Start Planning Today
Paying for long-term care in Texas doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding your options—whether through insurance, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, or smart asset protection strategies—you can make an informed decision that works for your situation. The key is to plan ahead, well before the need for care arises, so that when the time comes, you can focus on getting the care you need without the stress of worrying about how to pay for it.
Start talking to your family and financial advisors today to make sure you’re on the right path. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have, and the better prepared you’ll be to handle whatever comes your way. Have estate planning questions? We’re here to help guide you!
Bromlow Law, PLLC and Laura L. Bromlow, are dedicated to the practice of Elder Law and Estate Planning. Our practice focuses solely on working with clients in these and closely related legal fields. Laura L. Bromlow is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with the National Elder Law Foundation. Bromlow Law, PLLC strives to enhance communication among family members and loved ones and to keep them all out of conflict so they can stay out of court. We want to help you keep your close circle safe!
Please contact our office today at (281) 665-3807 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal matters. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.