How to Pay for Assisted Living: Medicaid, VA Benefits, and Private Options Explained
Assisted living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area typically costs between $3,500 and $6,500 per month, and most families pay through a combination of private funds, VA benefits, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance. Linda Clement, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Certified Placement and Referral Specialist (CPRS), founder of Peace of Mind Senior Solutions in North Richland Hills, Texas, helps DFW families understand exactly which options are available and how to use them together.
The cost of assisted living is one of the first things families want to know, and one of the most stressful to figure out. This guide walks through each payment option clearly so you can make a plan that works for your family’s situation.
What Does Assisted Living Cost in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area?
In the DFW metroplex, assisted living costs generally fall in the range of $3,500 to $6,500 per month, though communities with higher levels of care, specialized memory care services, or premium amenities can run higher. Most communities charge a base rate that covers housing, meals, and basic services, with additional fees added for personal care needs such as medication management, bathing assistance, or mobility support.
Understanding what is and is not included in a base rate is one of the most important things to ask when touring communities. A Certified Senior Advisor can help you read the fee structures and compare true costs across communities.
Option 1: Private Pay
Private pay means using personal funds to cover the cost of assisted living. This is the most common starting point for families, particularly in the early months of a transition.
Sources families typically use for private pay include:
- Personal savings and retirement accounts
- Income from Social Security or pensions
- Proceeds from the sale of a home
- Investment accounts or annuities
- Contributions from family members
Many families begin with private pay and then transition to Medicaid or VA benefits as other funds are depleted. Planning that transition in advance is important, because some programs have waiting periods or eligibility requirements that take time to navigate.
Option 2: VA Aid and Attendance Benefit
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the most underused and most valuable financial resources available to veterans and their surviving spouses. It is a pension enhancement that provides monthly cash payments to help cover the cost of personal care, including assisted living.
2026 VA Aid and Attendance Maximum Annual Rates
- Single veteran: up to $2,424 per month
- Married veteran: up to $2,874 per month
- Surviving spouse: up to $1,558 per month
An important detail many families miss: these figures are the maximum annual pension rates (MAPR), not the amount most people actually receive. The VA calculates the benefit by subtracting the applicant’s countable income from the MAPR. A veteran receiving $2,000 per month in Social Security, for example, would receive the difference rather than the full rate.
However, unreimbursed medical expenses, including the cost of assisted living itself, can significantly reduce countable income. In many cases, this means a veteran’s actual benefit ends up much closer to the maximum than it initially appears. Navigating that calculation correctly is one of the most valuable things a Certified Senior Advisor can help with.
To qualify, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period, be honorably discharged, and meet medical and financial eligibility requirements. The benefit is not automatic and requires an application through the VA.
Processing times vary and can run from several months to over a year depending on claim complexity and VA backlog. Starting the application as early as possible is strongly recommended.
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) at tvc.texas.gov provides free assistance to Texas veterans applying for this benefit. Linda Clement, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, also helps DFW families understand whether a loved one may qualify and what documentation to gather.
Option 3: Texas Medicaid and the STAR+PLUS Waiver
Texas Medicaid does not directly pay for room and board in assisted living, but the STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver can help cover personal care and support services for eligible individuals living in certain assisted living settings.
To qualify for STAR+PLUS, an individual must be a Texas resident, be 21 or older, meet income and asset limits, and require a nursing facility level of care. There is often a waiting list, and not all assisted living communities accept STAR+PLUS.
If Medicaid is likely to be part of the plan, it is important to begin that process early and identify communities that participate in the waiver program. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) administers the STAR+PLUS program. More information is available at hhs.texas.gov.
One nuance worth knowing: for families considering both VA pension benefits and Medicaid, the basic portion of a VA pension may count toward Medicaid’s income limit and could affect eligibility. Families who are close to the Medicaid income threshold and are also pursuing VA benefits should consult an elder law attorney before applying for both programs simultaneously.
Option 4: Long-Term Care Insurance
If your loved one purchased a long-term care insurance policy earlier in life, now is the time to review it carefully. Many policies cover assisted living costs once the insured person meets the benefit trigger, which is typically needing assistance with two or more activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
Key things to review in the policy include:
- The daily or monthly benefit amount
- The elimination period, which is similar to a deductible measured in days
- Whether the benefit is inflation-adjusted
- Which types of facilities and care settings are covered
Contact the insurance company directly to initiate a claim. The process can take several weeks, so starting early is important.
How Most Families Actually Pay: Combining Multiple Sources
Most families do not rely on just one funding source. A common scenario in DFW might look like this: a veteran uses VA Aid and Attendance to offset a significant portion of the monthly cost, covers the remainder with Social Security income and personal savings, and later applies for STAR+PLUS Medicaid as savings decrease.
The key is understanding which options your family is eligible for and sequencing them in a way that makes financial sense. A Certified Senior Advisor does not replace a financial advisor or elder law attorney, but can help you understand the landscape and connect you with the right professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not cover the ongoing cost of assisted living. It may cover short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation following a hospital stay, but it does not pay for room, board, or personal care services in an assisted living community on an ongoing basis.
What is the average cost of assisted living in Fort Worth or Dallas?
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, assisted living typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,500 or more per month. The exact cost depends on the community, the room type, and the level of personal care needed. Memory care communities generally cost more than standard assisted living.
Can a veteran use Aid and Attendance to pay for assisted living in Texas?
Yes. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can be used to help cover the cost of assisted living. In 2026, the maximum rates are $2,424 per month for a single veteran and $2,874 per month for a married veteran. The actual benefit received equals the maximum rate minus the veteran’s countable income, though unreimbursed medical expenses including assisted living costs can significantly reduce that income figure. The Texas Veterans Commission offers free help with the application process.
What is the STAR+PLUS waiver in Texas?
STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid managed care program that provides home and community based services to eligible adults who need a nursing facility level of care. It can help cover personal care services for individuals living in certain assisted living settings, though it does not cover room and board costs directly.
How long does it take to get approved for VA Aid and Attendance?
Processing times vary and can run from several months to over a year depending on claim complexity and current VA backlog. Starting the application as early as possible and working with a resource like the Texas Veterans Commission can help move things along.
What if we cannot afford assisted living even with benefits?
If cost remains a barrier after exploring VA benefits and Medicaid options, a Certified Senior Advisor can help identify communities that work within your budget, explore Medicaid-certified facilities, or consider alternative care arrangements. There are often more options than families initially realize.
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Ready to Talk Through Your Options? If you are in the middle of this decision right now, you do not have to figure it out alone. I offer a free, no-pressure consultation for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who are trying to determine the right next step for their loved one. I am not a salesperson for any community. My job is to understand your specific situation, answer your questions honestly, and help you find the right fit. If you are not in DFW, I can still point you in the right direction. You can reach me in three ways:
There is no obligation and no cost. Just an honest conversation with a Certified Senior Advisor who has helped many DFW families through exactly what you are facing right now. |
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About the Author Linda Clement, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Certified Placement and Referral Specialist (CPRS), is the founder of Peace of Mind Senior Solutions LLC, based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. With 20 years of experience in senior healthcare operations, Linda helps Dallas-Fort Worth and other families nationwide navigate senior housing and care decisions with honest, pressure-free guidance. For personalized assistance, contact Linda at info@peaceofmindseniorsolutions.com |