Community Based Services Gateway to MassHealth Benefits

Enrollment in MassHealth offers a myriad of benefits, but strict financial eligibility criteria limits the insurance plan to individuals with very low incomes. However, in July 2005, MassHealth amended the Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBS) for frail elders to raise the income ceiling from 100% of the poverty level to 300% of the federal SSI standard. The relaxed income standard means that frail elders (i.e. clinically eligible for nursing facility services) who are enrolled in the Home Care Program, the Enhanced Community Options Program or the Community Choices Program, and whose incomes are 300% of the federal SSI standard can access MassHealth benefits.

The services covered by the Waiver Program include: Homemaker, Personal Care, Respite Care, Home Health Aide, Supportive Home Care Aide, Companionship, Environmental Accessibility Adaptations, Chore, Grocery Shopping/Delivery Services, Home Delivered Meals, Laundry Services, Skilled Nursing, Supportive Day Care Programs, Home-based Wandering Response System, Transitional Assistance and Transportation. Waiver clients also have access to Title XIX state plan services such as adult day health and home health services available to MassHealth members.

The Home Care Program, the Enhanced Community Options Program and the Community Choices Program are administered locally by Aging Services Access Points, such as Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES). For more contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151.