Can a spouse be paid?
Not right nowNot right now — but other family members can often be paid.
The fine print: no — spouses cannot be paid attendants in Medicaid CDS programs; reported exception: state-funded CMPAS may allow a spouse
Texas
Texas has real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here's what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.
$15/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Texas Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlists here can be long. Apply as soon as you can.
severe — STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list wait is 'many years' (~5,034 reported); CLASS ~48,169 and MDCP ~27,012 on interest lists with waits reported up to ~13-15 years
Not right now — but other family members can often be paid.
The fine print: no — spouses cannot be paid attendants in Medicaid CDS programs; reported exception: state-funded CMPAS may allow a spouse
Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid.
The fine print: no — a legally responsible parent (or foster parent, or spouse of a parent) cannot be the paid attendant for their minor child (e.g. CAS rule); parents of adult children CAN be paid
Run by: Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Call 877-438-5658 to join the CLASS or MDCP interest list, or 800-964-2777 for the STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list; benefits applications go through YourTexasBenefits.com or 2-1-1 Texas.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Texas, they are overseen by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC). We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.
Care at home costs Medicaid far less than a nursing home. So states pay family members to give that care at home. It's good for your loved one, and it's the law working the way it should.
Not right now — but other family members can often be paid. The fine print: no — spouses cannot be paid attendants in Medicaid CDS programs; reported exception: state-funded CMPAS may allow a spouse
Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid. The fine print: no — a legally responsible parent (or foster parent, or spouse of a parent) cannot be the paid attendant for their minor child (e.g. CAS rule); parents of adult children CAN be paid
Reported figures are around $15/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Waitlists here can be long. Apply as soon as you can. Details: severe — STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list wait is 'many years' (~5,034 reported); CLASS ~48,169 and MDCP ~27,012 on interest lists with waits reported up to ~13-15 years
It depends on the program. In Texas: self-directed, but every CDS employer must use a financial management services agency (FMSA) for payroll, taxes, and background checks
Sources: hhs.texas.gov · medicaidplanningassistance.org · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
The programs are the same across Texas. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.