A nursing home can cost over $7,000 a month, and that number scares many families. But low income doesn’t mean no care. Several programs help low-income seniors get quality nursing home care, and most families never hear about them until a crisis hits.
Here is what actually works, in plain language.
1. Medicaid: The Biggest Help for Low-Income Seniors
Medicaid is the main payer of long-term nursing home care in the U.S. If your loved one qualifies, it can cover the full cost of a stay in a Medicaid-certified facility.
Texas basics (2026 figures, single applicant):
- Monthly income up to $2,982
- Countable assets up to $2,000
- A medical need for nursing-home level of care
What doesn’t count: your primary home (up to an equity limit), one vehicle, and personal belongings.
What the resident keeps: a small personal needs allowance (about $75/month). Most of the rest of their income goes toward care.
Married? The spouse still living at home can keep a protected share of assets and income, so they are not left with nothing.
Important: Gifting or selling assets for less than they are worth can trigger a penalty. Medicaid reviews the past five years of finances (the “look-back period”). Talk to a professional before moving money around.
Rules change every year, so confirm current limits with Texas Health and Human Services.
2. Medicare: Short-Term Rehab Only
Many families assume Medicare pays for nursing homes. It doesn’t, at least not long-term. Medicare covers skilled nursing or rehab for a limited time after a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 days. Coverage is full for the first 20 days, then a daily copay applies up to day 100.
This works well for recovery after surgery, a fall, or a stroke. For ongoing custodial care, you’ll need another option.
3. VA Benefits for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
If your loved one served in the military, they may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance. This is a monthly benefit added to a VA pension that helps pay for care. Surviving spouses of veterans can qualify too. The VA also runs State Veterans Homes, which often cost less than private facilities.
4. Other Programs Worth Checking
- Medicare Savings Programs: help pay Medicare premiums and copays, which frees up money for care.
- PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): combines medical and long-term care for eligible seniors in select areas.
- Long-term care insurance: if a policy exists, check it now. Many families forget they have one.
- Local Area Agency on Aging: find your nearest office through the Eldercare Locator.
5. Is a Nursing Home Even the Right Level of Care?
Sometimes it isn’t, and that can save thousands. If your loved one needs help with bathing, meals, and medications but not 24/7 nursing, these may fit better and cost less:
- Assisted living
- Residential care homes, which are smaller and more home-like
- Memory care for dementia and Alzheimer’s
You can compare all levels on our senior care page.
6. How to Check Quality Before You Choose
Low-cost should never mean low-quality. Before committing:
- Look up the facility on Medicare Care Compare for star ratings, staffing, and inspection results.
- Confirm it is Medicaid-certified and has a Medicaid bed available.
- Visit in person, at different times of day.
- Contact your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman for complaint history.
7. Your Next Steps
- Gather income, bank statements, and insurance cards.
- Check Medicaid and VA eligibility early. Approvals take time.
- Get advice from an elder law attorney if assets are involved.
- Talk to a placement advisor who knows which local facilities accept Medicaid.
That last step is where we come in. At New Day Lifestyle for Seniors, our advisors help families across McKinney, Frisco, Plano, and the wider DFW area find care that fits their budget. Our service is completely free. See what other families say.
Schedule your free consultation or call (469) 247-9811.
FAQs
Can a nursing home refuse someone on Medicaid?
Facilities must be Medicaid-certified to accept it, and Medicaid beds can be limited. That’s why it’s smart to ask about availability early.
Will Medicaid take my parent’s house?
The home is usually exempt while the person is alive, but the state may try to recover costs from the estate afterward (estate recovery). An elder law attorney can explain your options.
What if my parent has no money at all?
They may qualify for Medicaid right away. A placement advisor or social worker can help you apply and find a facility.
Does Medicare pay for long-term nursing home care?
No. It covers only short-term skilled care or rehab after a qualifying hospital stay.