Assisted Living in Massachusetts

MassHealth is Massachusetts's Medicaid program. MassHealth Standard is its most complete coverage. For people 65 and older it pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, personal care, and long-term care services. It also pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, and Medicare copays and deductibles for care other than prescriptions. It does not pay assisted living rent, but it does pay for Group Adult Foster Care, the hands-on help you get in a participating residence.

The limits below are for people 65 and older who do not live in a nursing home. The income limit is 100% of the federal poverty level and changes each March. The home you live in does not count as an asset, but MassHealth may claim money from your estate after your death.

Higher limits apply to some long-term care programs. For home care through a waiver, such as the Frail Elder Waiver, and for PACE, you can have income up to $2,982 a month in 2026, and assets up to $2,000. If you live in a nursing home, you keep $72.80 a month for personal needs, and a spouse at home can keep up to $162,660 in assets.

A MassHealth benefit that pays for daily hands-on help in an assisted living residence or other supported housing. A GAFC aide helps you with bathing, dressing, getting around, and other daily tasks, and gives medication reminders. A nurse and a case manager oversee your care plan.

GAFC does not pay room and board. MassHealth's rates for GAFC do not include any amount for it. If you get SSI, the state's SSP-G payment, listed below, can help pay the residence's monthly fee.

An assisted living residence can offer GAFC only if it is certified by the state and signs up with MassHealth as a GAFC provider, so not every residence takes part.

A monthly state cash payment added to SSI for people who live in an assisted living residence. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) runs it, and the state calls this living arrangement "G." You can use the money toward the residence's monthly fee for rent and services.

In 2026, SSI and SSP-G together pay up to $1,448 a month for one person, or $1,086 for each member of a couple. Your payment is lower if you have other income. If your income is too high for SSI, you may still get part of the state payment.

A MassHealth program for older adults who need nursing home level care but want to live at home. A case manager builds a service plan with you. Services can include a personal care aide, homemaker and chore help, home-delivered meals, adult day programs, respite for family caregivers, an emergency call button, and home changes for safety.

You can live in your own home, a family member's home, or congregate housing. You cannot use the waiver while living in an assisted living residence or rest home. There is a limit on how many people it can serve each year.

A program run by the Executive Office of Aging & Independence through local Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs). A care manager and nurse help plan and arrange services at home, such as personal care, homemaker help, home-delivered meals, adult day health, respite for family caregivers, transportation, and an emergency call button. What you pay depends on your income.

A program run by MassHealth and Medicare that helps older adults who need nursing home level care keep living in the community. A PACE team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and other staff plans and provides all your care. Most care happens at a PACE center, and some happens at home. It covers everything Medicare and MassHealth cover, including prescriptions, adult day health, transportation, meals, and hospital care. There are no copays.

You do not need MassHealth to join. If you meet MassHealth's rules, MassHealth may pay your PACE premium. In 2026 the limits for one person are income up to $2,982 a month and assets up to $2,000. If your income is higher, you can pay privately or join with Medicare only.

The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Part A covers hospital stays and a short period of skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. Medicare does not pay for assisted living rent or for help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. In 2026, Part B costs $202.90 a month with a $283 yearly deductible, and the Part A hospital deductible is $1,736.

Plans sold by private insurers that replace Original Medicare. They must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and many add drug, dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Plans, costs, and doctor networks vary by county.

Drug plans that add prescription coverage to Original Medicare. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs and its own premium. Most Medicare Advantage plans already include drug coverage.

A federal program, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, that pays most Part D premiums, deductibles, and drug copays. People who get Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program qualify automatically.

MassHealth programs that pay Medicare costs for people with limited income. They used to be called MassHealth Buy-In. You do not need to be on MassHealth to get one, and there is no asset limit. Anyone in one of these programs is also enrolled in Extra Help and in the Health Safety Net for care at hospitals and community health centers.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) pays the Part A premium if you have one, the Part B premium, and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Providers cannot bill you for Medicare copays, though you may still pay a pharmacy copay. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) pay the Part B premium.

Monthly income for retired workers, based on what you earned during your working years. You can spend it on anything, including assisted living. You need at least 40 work credits, which is about 10 years of work. Benefits can start at 62, and the monthly check is larger if you wait until full retirement age or later.

A monthly federal payment for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and savings. Getting SSI usually qualifies you for Medicaid as well.