The Community Based Alternatives (CBA) program ended September 1, 2014. It has been replaced by the STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, which is managed by the Texas Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC).
This waiver is also known as HCBS STAR+PLUS Waiver (SPW). It is a managed care model so that individuals who qualify for nursing facility care can get acute care and long-term services and supports (LTSS) in order to live in the community.
What's Included in the HCBS Program
HCBS waiver services include: personal assistance services, in-home or out-of-home respite care, home nursing services, emergency response services (emergency call button), home-delivered meals, minor home modifications, adaptive aids, medical equipment and supplies, adult foster care, assisted living, cognitive rehabilitation, dental services, financial management services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and transition assistance services.
Requirements to Receive HCBS Services
- Be age 21 or older.
- Meet the medical necessity criteria for nursing home care and be at risk of being placed in a nursing home.
- Must be eligible for Medicaid in the community including: able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), able to receive Medical Assistance Only (MAO) protected status, or meet the income and resource requirements for Medicaid benefits in a nursing home. MAO refers to someone who is able to get Medicaid but does not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
- Income and assets may not exceed specified limits: a monthly income of up to 300% of the monthly income limit for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and no more than $2,000 in assets. This refers to your child’s income, not the family income. Learn how to figure out this amount.
- Cannot be enrolled in another Medicaid waiver program. Your adult child who is age 21 or older can remain on other waiver interest lists while enrolled in the HCBS waiver program.
Compare the waiver programs and the services they offer, including HCBS.
Three Top Tips for Waiver Lists
- Don’t Delay, Add Your Child Right Away: Consider adding your child to as many waiver interest lists as possible when your child is first diagnosed with a disability or special health care need. You should also think about adding your child to the lists even if they aren’t diagnosed but have reason to believe they will have a long-term disability or special health care needs.
- Learn More: If you are interested in STAR+PLUS HCBS (SPW), call 1-877-782-6440. If you have a speech impairment or are hard of hearing, call 7-1-1 or 1-800-735-2989.
- Update Your Information Every Year: At least 1 time a year, call to update your contact information so they know how to reach you. Most parents remember by calling around their child’s birthday each year.