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By Frank Flores, founder of FamiliaLista · Updated November 3, 2026

Texas Medicaid for a nursing home: how to apply and what to bring

When a parent needs a nursing home, Texas Medicaid can help pay for it. The application is Form H1200. In 2026 the person can have up to $2,982 a month in income and $2,000 in countable resources, and Texas reviews transfers made in the last 60 months. File early; the papers can follow.

How do you apply?

The application is Form H1200, the Texas HHS form to apply for Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities. It comes in English and Spanish, and you can get it through YourTexasBenefits.com. For help, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, pick your language, then option 2. If you're applying for a parent under a power of attorney or guardianship, HHS asks for a copy of those papers. Sources: Texas HHS, Form H1200 application, Texas HHS, contact and benefits help, Texas HHS Form H5017-MEPD, proof to bring.

What are the limits in 2026?

Income: up to $2,982 a month for one person, or $5,964 for a couple, effective January 1, 2026. That's 300% of the SSI federal benefit rate.
Income above the limit: a Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller trust) can help a person whose income is above the limit but below the private-pay cost of care. Only income goes into it, it must be irrevocable, and HHS recommends the person not be their own trustee.
Resources: $2,000 for one person, $3,000 for a couple. A trust doesn't change this limit.
Personal needs: the resident keeps $75 a month.

Sources: Texas HHS handbook, budget reference chart, Texas HHS handbook, Qualified Income Trusts.

What is the 60-month look-back?

HHS looks back 60 months from the later of two dates: the day the person entered the facility or the day the application was filed. It reviews gifts and other transfers of assets made in that window, so gather records of any money or property your parent gave away. Source: Texas HHS handbook I-2000, look-back period.

The 30-day stay and medical necessity

The person must stay in a Medicaid facility at least 30 consecutive days and have an approved medical necessity for nursing facility care. The Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership decides medical necessity, and while that's pending, HHS holds the application. The facility's administrator also sends HHS Form 3618, a notice of admissions and changes. Sources: Texas HHS handbook B-7400, application for institutional care, Texas HHS, Form 3618 Resident Transaction Notice.

What should you gather?

[ ] Driver's license or state ID.
[ ] Social Security card or statement.
[ ] Proof of citizenship: U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate or Medicare card.
[ ] Power of attorney or guardianship papers, if you apply for the person.
[ ] Award letters for Social Security, pensions, VA or SSI.
[ ] Bank statements for this month and the past 3 months.
[ ] Statements for stocks, bonds, trusts and annuities.
[ ] Property tax statements and deeds; oil, gas or royalty statements.
[ ] Life, burial and health insurance statements showing the current value.
[ ] Any prepaid funeral contract or cemetery papers.

Bring copies and keep the originals. If resources are over the limit, HHS can let the person set aside up to $1,500 as burial funds. Sources: Texas HHS Form H5017-MEPD, proof to bring, Texas HHS Form H1277, burial funds.

After approval: STAR+PLUS

Texas delivers this care through STAR+PLUS health plans, which cover basic health care and long-term services and supports. HHS has separate plan comparison charts for nursing home residents. Sources: Texas HHS, STAR+PLUS, Texas HHS STAR+PLUS handbook, program overview.

Coverage before the application gets shorter in 2027

Medicaid can cover some care from before the application month. Under the federal law known as H.R. 1, starting in January 2027 that window goes from three months to two for most applicants, including people 65 and older and people with disabilities. Justice in Aging suggests filing promptly and asking for retroactive coverage on the application. Source: Justice in Aging, H.R. 1 and retroactive coverage.

Know about estate recovery

Texas may later file a claim against the estate of someone who got Medicaid long-term care at 55 or older. Read Texas Medicaid estate recovery so there are no surprises. Source: Texas HHS, your guide to the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for my mom or dad?

Yes, you can help. If you apply under a power of attorney or guardianship, HHS asks for a copy of those papers.

What are the 2026 limits for nursing home Medicaid in Texas?

Income up to $2,982 a month for one person and $2,000 in countable resources, effective January 1, 2026.

How far back does Texas look at gifts?

60 months from the later of the facility entry date or the application date.

Is this legal advice?

No. It is general information from Texas HHS. HHS decides who qualifies, and an elder law attorney can help with your situation.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.