Harris County holds far more STAR+PLUS contracted Type B assisted living facilities than any other county in Greater Houston. The southwest Houston ZIP codes (77036, 77081, 77096) along the Meyerland and Gulfton corridor have the highest documented concentration of eligible placements in the metro. If you are placing a Medicaid-eligible parent in the next 30 to 60 days, this geographic reality matters just as much as the program rules. Families looking in The Woodlands or Sugar Land often discover too late that their preferred suburb has almost no in-network options. In this guide, we map which neighborhoods and ZIP clusters actually deliver access. We also explain the licensing and Managed Care Organization (MCO) mechanics that determine whether a facility can bill Medicaid at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Harris County dominates the inventory. Southwest Houston ZIPs (77036, 77081, 77096) and northwest Houston ZIPs (77040, 77064) hold the highest concentration of Type B facilities enrolled in STAR+PLUS.
  • Only Type B licensed facilities can participate. A highly rated Type A facility in your preferred neighborhood is categorically ineligible. License type trumps star ratings.
  • Four MCOs serve the network here. Harris County is the only county covered by all four: Molina Healthcare of Texas, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Wellpoint, and Community First Health Plans.
  • STAR+PLUS covers personal care services, not room and board. Families must still cover the base room and board cost. This runs roughly $3,500 to $5,500 per month locally.

Reviewed by the HALF Publishing Team. Houston Assisted Living Facilities maintains an independent directory of licensed senior care communities across Greater Houston, with facility data sourced from the Texas HHSC, CMS quality ratings, and Google Reviews, updated regularly.

Quick Answers
Q: Does STAR+PLUS Medicaid cover assisted living costs in Houston, TX?
Yes, but it only pays for personal care services and supervision at Type B licensed facilities contracted with a Managed Care Organization (MCO). The program does not cover the room-and-board portion of the bill, which families must still pay out of pocket. To use this benefit locally, you must verify that a specific Harris County facility accepts your exact MCO plan.
Q: What is a Type B assisted living facility in Texas?
A Type B facility is licensed by the state to care for seniors who require nighttime attendance and physical assistance to evacuate during an emergency. Unlike Type A communities, these facilities can safely house residents with severe mobility issues or cognitive decline, such as advanced dementia. Families looking for higher-acuity care along the Beltway 8 corridors should specifically filter their search for Type B licenses.
Q: What is a Managed Care Organization (MCO) in the Texas Medicaid system?
An MCO is a private health insurance company contracted by the state to administer STAR+PLUS Medicaid benefits to seniors. In the Greater Houston area, providers like UnitedHealthcare and Molina Healthcare manage these plans and determine which local assisted living facilities are in-network. You must contact your assigned MCO directly to get an approved list of covered communities in your specific zip code.

Which Houston Neighborhoods Have the Highest Concentration of Facilities?

Harris County's southwest and northwest corridors hold the greatest density of STAR+PLUS enrolled Type B assisted living facilities in Greater Houston. High real estate costs inside the 610 Loop prevent most new Medicaid-focused construction. Facility operators instead cluster along the Beltway 8 corridors where land is cheaper and highway access is strong. This creates specific pockets of availability.

The Meyerland and Gulfton corridor remains the undisputed center for eligible beds. Many of these buildings are older, purpose-built facilities that transitioned to Type B licenses decades ago. Proximity to the Texas Medical Center also makes this area attractive for operators relying on hospital discharge referrals. Conversely, newer master-planned communities in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties rarely zone for high-density Medicaid housing. Families in Katy or Cypress will find a few options, but the inventory drops sharply once you cross the county line.

Neighborhood or Corridor County ZIP Codes STAR+PLUS Density Notes
Meyerland / Gulfton Harris 77036, 77081, 77096 High Highest documented concentration. Many Type B facilities hold active MCO contracts.
Northwest Houston / Willowbrook Harris 77040, 77064 Moderate to High Growing cluster. Proximity to major hospital systems adds a strong referral pipeline.
Clear Lake / Webster Harris 77058, 77062 Moderate Smaller inventory. Some Type B facilities do hold active MCO contracts.
The Woodlands / Sugar Land Montgomery / Fort Bend 77380, 77479 Low Significantly fewer eligible facilities. Families usually need Harris County placements.

Families considering The Woodlands assisted living options or Sugar Land assisted living must call facilities directly. Ask two questions before visiting. First, do you hold a Type B license? Second, are you currently contracted with STAR+PLUS MCOs? A facility can lose or change its contracts between directory updates. Directory data points you to the right buildings. The phone call confirms current status.

Quick Answers
Q: How long does it take to get approved for STAR+PLUS assisted living in Houston, TX?
The approval timeline for the STAR+PLUS Medicaid waiver in Houston typically takes 45 to 90 days from the initial application. Families should start the financial and medical screening process early to avoid gaps in care. During this waiting period, ensure you are only touring Type B facilities, as Type A buildings cannot accept this waiver.
Q: What is the difference between Type A and Type B assisted living in Texas?
Type A facilities serve residents who can self-evacuate and need no nighttime assistance, whereas Type B facilities serve those who cannot self-evacuate and may need 24-hour care. If you need financial assistance through the STAR+PLUS program, you must choose a Type B facility. Always verify a community's license type on the Texas HHSC website before booking a tour.
Q: How much does assisted living cost out-of-pocket while waiting for waiver approval?
Private pay assisted living in the local area generally averages between $3,500 and $5,500 per month depending on the required level of care. Because the Medicaid waiver timeline can take several months, families must budget for these out-of-pocket expenses during the transition. Ask your prospective facility if they offer a temporary pending-Medicaid rate or accept bridge loans while your application processes.

How Texas HHSC Licensing Gates STAR+PLUS Eligibility

The single most important filter for STAR+PLUS placement is license type. Most families never check it. Texas HHSC licenses every assisted living facility as either Type A or Type B. Type A facilities serve residents who can self-evacuate and do not need nighttime assistance. Type B facilities serve residents who cannot self-evacuate and require 24-hour supervision. Only Type B facilities can contract with STAR+PLUS Managed Care Organizations. They serve Medicaid members who need higher-acuity care in a residential setting. That distinction is absolute. A five-star Type A facility in Bellaire is categorically off-limits for Medicaid billing.

Not every family needs memory care, and most facilities will not tell you that. Many families assume a highly rated building accepts all state programs. They tour five beautiful properties only to find out none of them have the correct license type to accept their parent's coverage.

Feature Type A Assisted Living Type B Assisted Living
Self-evacuation requirement Must be able to self-evacuate May be unable to self-evacuate
Nighttime care No nighttime assistance required 24-hour supervision available
STAR+PLUS eligibility Not eligible Eligible (if MCO-contracted)
Typical monthly cost range (Harris County) $2,800 to $4,200/month $3,500 to $5,500/month

Houston's hurricane and flood exposure adds a practical dimension here. National Medicaid guides miss this entirely. Harris County's FEMA flood zone designations mean that Type B evacuation planning is not just a regulatory checkbox. Facilities in flood-prone corridors like Meyerland must maintain credible evacuation protocols for residents who physically cannot leave on their own. Verify a facility's HHSC license type and inspection history before you tour. The HHSC Long-Term Care Provider Search is public and completely free to use.

"Families who filter the Houston market by neighborhood first, and license type second, routinely end up touring Type A facilities that are simply ineligible for Medicaid billing. Run the license check at HHSC before you schedule a single tour, not after."

HALF Publishing Team

Quick Answers
Q: How do I find out which Houston, TX assisted living facilities accept STAR+PLUS?
Start by calling the Texas HHSC member services line to confirm your specific Managed Care Organization (MCO) assignment. Next, request your MCO's current in-network provider directory and verify that each prospective facility holds a Type B license using the HHSC Long-Term Care Provider Search. Because these directories become outdated quickly, you must always call the facility directly to confirm they still accept Medicaid waivers.
Q: Should I choose a Type A or Type B licensed facility if I plan to use Medicaid in the future?
If you anticipate needing STAR+PLUS Medicaid assistance, you must prioritize Type B facilities during your search. Type A facilities in Texas generally cater to residents who do not require routine nighttime attendance and are rarely eligible for Medicaid billing. Choosing a Type B facility from the start prevents the need to relocate your loved one across Harris County when private funds run out.
Q: How does the decision to use private pay versus Medicaid affect the move-in timeline?
Private pay move-ins can often be completed in just a few days once you select a community and sign the lease. In contrast, transitioning into a Medicaid-funded bed in the Houston area requires navigating a strict administrative process that typically takes 60 to 90 days. Families must factor in this lengthy STAR+PLUS approval window when deciding when to start touring facilities.

The STAR+PLUS Application Timeline and Process in Houston

Finding a contracted facility is only half the battle. Securing the actual placement requires navigating a rigid administrative timeline. Most families assume the process takes a few weeks. In reality, moving a parent into a Medicaid-funded assisted living bed in Greater Houston takes 60 to 90 days from the initial application.

First, your parent must meet the financial eligibility requirements for Texas Medicaid. This involves an asset test and an income limit review. If they exceed the income limit, you must consult an elder law attorney to establish a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), commonly called a Miller Trust. Texas HHSC handles this financial approval phase. It is often the longest part of the process.

Next comes the Medical Necessity (MN) assessment. A registered nurse from the state or the MCO must evaluate your parent. They determine if the senior requires assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and medication management. The senior must score high enough to justify a Type B facility placement. If they only need minor help, the state will deny residential coverage and suggest home care instead.

Finally, you must locate a facility with an open Medicaid bed. Operators legally limit how many STAR+PLUS residents they accept. A 50-bed facility might cap its Medicaid census at 10 beds to maintain profitability. Even if a building is in-network, you might land on a waitlist. Start searching in Harris County immediately once the medical necessity assessment is approved.

What to do next:

  • Submit the Texas HHSC Medicaid application to begin the financial review clock.
  • Request a Medical Necessity assessment through your parent's primary care physician.
  • Identify three Type B facilities in your preferred ZIP code and ask about their specific Medicaid bed waitlists.
Quick Answers
Q: Is there a cost difference between STAR+PLUS-covered care and private-pay assisted living in Houston, TX?
Private-pay assisted living in Harris County typically runs between $3,500 and $5,500 per month based on current data. While STAR+PLUS covers eligible personal care services to significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, it does not cover room and board costs. We recommend using our site's cost calculator to compare side-by-side estimates for facilities across the metro area.
Q: How do I find out if a Type B facility has an active Medicaid waitlist?
You will need to contact the facility's admissions director directly to ask about their current STAR+PLUS bed availability. Because Medicaid-certified beds in Harris County fill up quickly, it is best to tour your top three choices and join their waitlists before your HHSC financial review is fully approved. Be sure to ask if the community requires a private-pay spend-down period before transitioning to Medicaid.
Q: What is the next step for selecting an MCO once my medical necessity assessment is approved?
After the state approves your assessment, you will receive an enrollment packet to choose one of the four STAR+PLUS Managed Care Organizations operating in the region. You should verify which specific MCOs are accepted by your preferred assisted living communities before making your final selection. If you do not submit your choice within the provided timeframe, the state will automatically assign a health plan to you.

The Four MCOs Serving Houston and What They Mean for Neighborhood Choice

Harris County is the only county in Greater Houston served by all four STAR+PLUS Managed Care Organizations. This is the clearest geographic reason to focus your search there if Medicaid coverage is the priority. The four MCOs operating in Houston's service area are Molina Healthcare of Texas, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Wellpoint, and Community First Health Plans. Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Galveston counties have partial or single-MCO coverage depending on the specific service area designation. This means fewer contracted facilities and less network flexibility for members placed outside Harris County.

If your parent lives in Spring and has Community First Health Plans, you will likely need to cross the county line into northern Harris County to find an in-network building. Facility operators negotiate rates with these MCOs annually. An operator might drop UnitedHealthcare but keep Molina based on reimbursement rates. You must match the parent's assigned MCO to the building's current contracts.

Managed Care Organization (MCO) Counties Covered (Houston metro) Network Size Note How to Verify In-Network Facilities
Molina Healthcare of Texas Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston Broad Harris County presence. Molina member services portal.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston Large urban network in Harris County. UHC provider directory.
Wellpoint Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery Dense network. Often cited heavily by state resources. Wellpoint member services line.
Community First Health Plans Harris (primary) Smaller footprint with deep Harris County roots. Community First member services.

MCO provider directories go stale quickly. A facility listed in a directory today may have let its contract lapse, changed ownership, or shifted its license type entirely. Phone verification is not optional. Use our free care assessment to confirm what level of care your parent actually needs first. Then cross-check the facility license type at the Texas HHSC search portal before you tour. Our Houston assisted living directory lists licensed facilities across the metro with care-type filters to help you narrow options fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Type A facility in Houston ever bill STAR+PLUS?

No. Texas HHSC regulations require a Type B license for an assisted living facility to contract with a STAR+PLUS Managed Care Organization. If a building only has a Type A license, they cannot accept this coverage regardless of their location or quality rating.

Does STAR+PLUS cover memory care in Harris County?

Yes, but with strict limits. The facility must be licensed as Type B, hold an active STAR+PLUS contract, and possess a state Alzheimer's certification. Open Medicaid beds in certified memory care units are highly competitive across the entire metro area.

How much is room and board for Medicaid assisted living in Houston?

The state program pays for care services, not the physical room. Families typically pay between $3,500 and $5,500 per month out of pocket for the room and board portion in Greater Houston. Prices vary heavily based on the specific ZIP code and building amenities.

Find the Right Facility on Houston Assisted Living Facilities

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What to do next:

  • Take the Care Assessment — Our Find Care page includes a free care-level assessment. Answer eight questions about daily living activities, get a recommended care level based on your answers, and browse matching facilities in Houston. The entire process takes about two minutes.
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  • Ask our AI Senior Care Guide — Houston Assisted Living Facilities is the only local directory with a built-in AI Senior Care Guide grounded in Houston-area facility data and Texas HHSC licensing records. Describe your situation and get a personalized response — not a generic answer from a national chatbot that does not know the difference between Katy and Kingwood.
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About This Guide

Houston Assisted Living Facilities is a free, independent directory helping families find licensed assisted living, memory care, nursing, and residential care homes across the Greater Houston metro area. Our data is sourced from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and updated regularly. We combine verified licensing data with neighborhood-level detail — the kind of local context that national directories cannot provide. Whether you're evaluating options in the Inner Loop or comparing suburbs, Houston Assisted Living Facilities exists to make that search faster and more informed.