Texas caregiver benefits guide
Last checked: May 18, 2026
Adult day care can give an older adult or disabled adult a safe place to go during the day. It can also give a family caregiver time to work, rest, run errands, or care for children.
In Texas, the official Medicaid term to ask about is often Day Activity and Health Services, or DAHS. Some families may get help through STAR+PLUS, VA Adult Day Health Care, an Aging and Disability Resource Center, an Area Agency on Aging, PACE, or local respite funds.
Quick answer
Texas Medicaid may help pay for adult day care when the person qualifies and the service is approved as part of their care plan. In Texas, licensed adult day care-style providers are often called Day Activity and Health Services, or DAHS.
Veterans may have a separate route through VA Adult Day Health Care. If the person is 60 or older, or has a disability, a good first call is the Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center line at 855-937-2372.
Start here
- Call the Texas ADRC line at 855-937-2372. Ask for help finding adult day services, DAHS, respite, and Medicaid long-term services in your county.
- If the person already has STAR+PLUS, call the health plan. Ask for the service coordinator and say you want to request Day Activity and Health Services.
- If the person is a Veteran, call the VA care team. Ask the VA social worker or case manager about VA Adult Day Health Care and respite options.
Texas warning
Rules can change. Counties, managed care plans, waiver contractors, and agencies may use different names. Always confirm with official Texas sources, the STAR+PLUS health plan, the local ADRC, the local Area Agency on Aging, or the VA before you count on payment.
Main programs and routes
| Route | Who it may help | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| STAR+PLUS Medicaid | Adults with disabilities and adults age 65 or older who qualify for Texas Medicaid managed care | Call the STAR+PLUS health plan and ask for the service coordinator |
| Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) | Adults who need a structured setting with health, social, and support services | Ask the health plan, ADRC, or HHSC about licensed DAHS providers |
| STAR+PLUS HCBS program | People who need nursing facility level care but may be served in the community | Ask the STAR+PLUS plan or ADRC about HCBS screening and service planning |
| Community First Choice (CFC) | Some Medicaid members who need help with daily tasks in the community | Ask Medicaid, the managed care plan, or ADRC if CFC can help with care at home |
| PACE | Some frail adults age 55 or older who meet nursing facility level of care and live in a PACE service area | Ask the ADRC if PACE serves the person’s ZIP code |
| VA Adult Day Health Care | Enrolled Veterans who meet VA clinical rules and have service available near them | Ask the VA social worker or case manager |
| Area Agency on Aging and local respite funds | Adults 60 or older and their family caregivers, depending on local funds and rules | Call the Texas AAA line at 800-252-9240 or the local AAA |
Who may pay for adult day care in Texas
Adult day care is daytime care outside the home. A person may go for part of the day or most of the day. The center may offer meals, social time, supervision, personal care, nursing checks, therapy support, or help with medicine.
For caregivers, the value is simple. The person is not left alone. The caregiver may be able to keep working or get a few safe hours to handle life.
In Texas, do not ask only for “adult day care.” Also ask for these terms:
- Day Activity and Health Services, or DAHS
- STAR+PLUS long-term services and supports
- STAR+PLUS HCBS services
- Respite care
- VA Adult Day Health Care
- PACE, if available in the person’s area
Payment may come from more than one place. The right path depends on age, disability, income, assets, Medicaid status, VA status, county, health plan, and the person’s care needs.
Medicare is usually not the main answer. Medicare.gov says Medicare does not pay for long-term care and lists adult day health care as a type of long-term care. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits, but that is plan-specific. Call the plan before you assume coverage.
Medicaid and waiver coverage
Texas Medicaid is often the first payment path to check if the person has low income, limited resources, and long-term care needs.
Texas STAR+PLUS is a Medicaid managed care program for adults who have disabilities and adults age 65 or older. It includes health care and long-term services and supports. Long-term services and supports are help with daily care needs, often called LTSS.
For adult day care, ask about Day Activity and Health Services. Texas HHSC says DAHS facilities provide services on a daily and regular basis to four or more unrelated people. HHSC also says DAHS services include health, social, and related support services.
The Texas Community Care Services Eligibility Handbook says DAHS may include nursing and personal care services, physical rehabilitative services, nutrition services, transportation services, and other support services. It also says these services are provided at facilities licensed and certified by HHSC.
How STAR+PLUS may fit
If the person already has STAR+PLUS, call the plan. Ask for the service coordinator. The service coordinator is the person who helps review care needs and services through the plan.
Use clear words:
Phone script
“I care for an adult in Texas who cannot be left alone safely during the day. I need to ask about Day Activity and Health Services, adult day health care, respite, and transportation. Can you connect me with the STAR+PLUS service coordinator or the long-term services and supports team?”
If the person is not on STAR+PLUS, call the ADRC first. Ask whether the person should apply for Medicaid, ask for STAR+PLUS screening, or ask about another long-term care route.
STAR+PLUS HCBS
Some people need a higher level of care and may be screened for the STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services program. This is often called STAR+PLUS HCBS. HCBS means home and community-based services.
HCBS programs are meant to help some people get care outside a nursing facility. Approval is not automatic. The person may need a medical and functional review. There may also be financial rules and service planning rules.
Community First Choice and Consumer Directed Services
Community First Choice, or CFC, is a Texas Medicaid benefit for some people who live in the community and meet CFC rules. CFC is not the same thing as adult day care. It may help with certain supports for daily tasks.
Consumer Directed Services, or CDS, lets some people who receive Texas Medicaid services hire and manage the people who provide those services. CDS is also not the same thing as a day center. It may matter if the family also needs personal attendant help at home.
If your main need is adult day care, ask about DAHS first. Then ask whether CFC, CDS, respite, or personal assistance can fill gaps before or after the day program.
PACE
PACE means Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Texas HHSC says PACE serves some frail older adults through a community-based health service model with Medicare and Medicaid financing. PACE is not open everywhere. Ask the ADRC if PACE serves the person’s ZIP code.
If Medicaid says no
Ask for the exact reason. Ask if the denial is about Medicaid eligibility, medical need, level of care, plan authorization, missing papers, or no provider nearby. If the person is already in STAR+PLUS, ask about the plan appeal process and state fair hearing rights.
Helpful related guides: Medicaid HCBS waivers explained, Medicaid spend-down, and Medicaid look-back period.
VA adult day health care
VA Adult Day Health Care is a separate route for some Veterans. VA says Adult Day Health Care is a daytime program with social activities, peer support, companionship, and recreation.
VA says the program is for Veterans who need help with activities of daily living. Activities of daily living are basic tasks like bathing, dressing, fixing meals, using the bathroom, or taking medicine. VA also says the program may help when a Veteran is isolated or the caregiver is under strain.
VA Adult Day Health Care may include nurses, therapists, social workers, and other health staff. VA says it can be used with other home and community-based services. It may be offered at VA medical centers, State Veterans Homes, or community groups.
VA says enrolled Veterans may be eligible if they are eligible for community care, meet VA clinical rules, and the service is available. A copay may apply based on service-connected disability status and financial information. VA may ask for VA Form 10-10EC, Application for Extended Care Services.
What to ask the VA
Call the Veteran’s VA primary care team and ask for the social worker or case manager. Say: “I am caring for a Veteran at home. We need daytime supervision and caregiver respite. Can you screen for VA Adult Day Health Care, respite, and home and community-based services?”
For more help, see VA Aid and Attendance. Aid and Attendance is a VA pension add-on for some Veterans and survivors. It is not the same as VA Adult Day Health Care, but it may help some families pay for care.
Dementia day programs
Some adult day programs can support people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Some cannot. A program may be licensed, but still not be the right fit for wandering, aggression, heavy toileting help, or advanced dementia.
Ask the center direct questions before the first visit:
- Do you accept people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
- Do you have a locked or secured area?
- How do you handle wandering or exit-seeking?
- What happens if the person refuses care or becomes upset?
- Can staff help with toileting, eating, and medicine reminders?
- Can Medicaid, VA, local respite, or private pay cover this program?
For dementia-specific help, ask the ADRC or AAA about caregiver support, respite, and local memory programs. Texas DSHS also lists dementia caregiver resources. Those resources may help you find support groups, education, and local referrals, but they do not always pay for day care.
If safety is the main concern, write down what is happening at home. Include falls, wandering, stove use, missed medicine, toileting accidents, and times the caregiver must leave for work. This helps the plan, VA, or agency understand why daytime supervision is needed.
Transportation and meals
Transportation and meals can decide whether adult day care is realistic. A center that costs less but has no ride may not work for a caregiver who has a job.
Texas HHSC handbook material says DAHS may include nutrition services and transportation services. Do not assume every ride or meal is covered in every case. Ask the center and the payer.
Ask these questions:
- Is transportation included from home to the center and back?
- Who provides the ride?
- What time is pickup and drop-off?
- Can the driver help the person from the door to the vehicle?
- Are meals and snacks included?
- Can the center handle diabetes, soft foods, swallowing limits, or allergies?
- Is there an extra charge for rides, meals, or special diets?
If Medicaid is involved, also ask whether the ride is part of DAHS, part of the plan’s transportation benefit, or a separate approval. Write down the answer and the name of the person who gave it.
How to find a program
Start with the payer, not only the center. A center may say it takes Medicaid, but the health plan may still need to approve the service. A center may also take one plan but not another.
1. Call the Texas ADRC
Call 855-937-2372. Ask for adult day services, DAHS, respite, STAR+PLUS, HCBS screening, and local caregiver support. ADRCs serve all Texas counties.
2. Call the Area Agency on Aging
If the person is 60 or older, call the Texas AAA line at 800-252-9240. Ask for caregiver support, respite, adult day program referrals, benefits counseling, transportation, and meals.
3. Search for licensed DAHS providers
Texas has a Long Term Provider Care Search through the TULIP system. You can use it to look for long-term care providers. For adult day care-style services, search for Day Activity and Health Services or DAHS.
4. Call the STAR+PLUS plan
If the person has STAR+PLUS, ask the plan for a list of in-network DAHS providers. Ask if a service coordinator must approve the service before the person starts.
5. Call centers before visiting
Before you tour, ask what payment they accept. Ask if they are licensed as DAHS. Ask which Medicaid plans they work with. Ask if they take VA referrals. Ask about private pay only if no benefit route is open.
Documents to gather before you call
You do not need every paper before making the first call. But these papers can speed things up:
- Medicaid card, Medicare card, and any STAR+PLUS plan card
- VA health care information, if the person is a Veteran
- Photo ID and proof of Texas address
- Doctor names, diagnoses, medicine list, and recent hospital papers
- Notes about daily help needed, such as bathing, dressing, meals, toileting, and transfers
- Notes about safety risks, such as falls, wandering, missed medicine, or being unable to stay alone
- Income and asset papers if Medicaid or VA extended care cost review may apply
- Power of attorney, guardianship papers, or written permission to speak for the person, if you have it
- Any denial letters, plan notices, or appeal papers
Use a simple list. Dates help. For example: “Left stove on twice in April” or “fell on May 3 and needed help getting up.” This is more useful than saying only “needs supervision.”
For more planning help, see caregiver checklists, phone scripts, and the care cost calculator.
Questions to ask before enrolling
Ask these questions before the first paid day. Keep notes.
- Are you licensed as a Texas Day Activity and Health Services provider?
- Do you accept this person’s STAR+PLUS plan?
- Does the plan need to approve visits first?
- How many days per week can the person attend?
- What hours are covered?
- Are rides included?
- Are meals and snacks included?
- Can staff help with toileting, transfers, eating, and medicine reminders?
- Do you support people with dementia?
- What happens if the person gets sick during the day?
- What costs could the family still owe?
- Who do I call if billing is wrong?
- Can I get the payment rules in writing?
If the center says “Medicaid pays,” ask which Medicaid plan and which service code or service name. Then confirm with the plan. A center’s answer is not the same as plan approval.
Adult day health vs. social adult day care
Texas official sources use DAHS for licensed day activity and health services. DAHS includes health, social, and support services in a protective setting.
You may still see programs that call themselves adult day care, senior day programs, memory day programs, or social clubs. These may be helpful, but they may not be licensed DAHS providers. They also may not accept Medicaid.
Ask two questions: “Are you licensed as DAHS in Texas?” and “Which payment programs do you accept?”
FAQ
Does Texas Medicaid pay for adult day care?
It may, if the person qualifies and the service is approved. Ask about Day Activity and Health Services, STAR+PLUS, and STAR+PLUS HCBS. Do not start care assuming it will be paid until the plan or agency confirms approval.
Who should I call first?
Call the Texas ADRC line at 855-937-2372. If the person is 60 or older, you can also call the Area Agency on Aging line at 800-252-9240. If the person already has STAR+PLUS, call the health plan first.
Does Medicare pay for adult day care in Texas?
Original Medicare usually does not pay for long-term care, including adult day health care. Check the person’s Medicare Advantage plan if they have one, because extra benefits vary by plan.
Can VA help pay for adult day care?
VA may help through Adult Day Health Care if the Veteran is enrolled, meets VA clinical rules, is eligible for community care, and the service is available. Ask the VA social worker or case manager.
Can adult day care help me keep working?
It can. Many caregivers use adult day services because they cannot leave the person alone during work hours. Ask about pickup time, drop-off time, covered days, and backup plans for closures.
Can an adult child get paid instead of using adult day care?
Sometimes a family caregiver payment route may be separate from adult day care. Start with Can I get paid to be a caregiver? and the caregiver pay quiz.
Other benefit paths to check
Adult day care may solve part of the problem, but not all of it. You may also need respite, home care, tax help, or family caregiver pay options.
Official sources used
- Texas Health and Human Services: STAR+PLUS – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-members/starplus
- Texas Health and Human Services: STAR+PLUS Handbook – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/handbooks/starplus-handbook
- Texas Health and Human Services: Day Activity and Health Services – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/day-activity-health-services-dahs
- Texas Health and Human Services: Day Activity and Health Services Handbook section – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/handbooks/community-care-services-eligibility-handbook/4200-day-activity-health-services
- Texas Health and Human Services: Aging and Disability Resource Centers – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/aging/long-term-care/aging-disability-resource-centers
- Texas Health and Human Services: Find an ADRC – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/aging/long-term-care/aging-disability-resource-centers/find-adrc
- Texas Health and Human Services: Area Agencies on Aging – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/area-agencies-aging-aaa
- Texas Health and Human Services: Programs for Seniors and Aging – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-programs-services/programs-seniors-aging
- Texas Health and Human Services: Community First Choice – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/long-term-care-provider-resources/community-first-choice-cfc
- Texas Health and Human Services: Consumer Directed Services – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/consumer-directed-services-cds
- Texas Health and Human Services: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/program-all-inclusive-care-elderly-pace
- Texas TULIP Long Term Provider Care Search – https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/TULIP/s/ltc-provider-search
- VA: Adult Day Health Care – https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Adult_Day_Health_Care.asp
- Medicare.gov: Long-term care coverage – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/long-term-care
- Administration for Community Living: Administration on Aging – https://acl.gov/about-acl/administration-aging
- Texas DSHS: Resources and Support for Family Caregivers – https://www.dshs.texas.gov/alzheimers-disease/risk-reduction-promoting-cognitive-health/prevention/resources-support-family-caregivers
Disclaimer
This is general information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. For legal or tax questions, talk with a qualified professional in your state.
