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Massachusetts Adult Foster Care (Structured Family Caregiving)

Massachusetts's Adult Foster Care (AFC) program pays family caregivers a daily stipend through MassHealth to provide live-in 24-hour care to individuals aged 16+ with a medical or mental condition as an alternative to nursing facility placement. The caregiver must live with the care recipient. Spouses and legal guardians may NOT serve as caregivers. Administered through Area Agencies on Aging. Daily rates are tiered: Level 1 at $26/day and Level 2 at $50.25/day. Long-term placements are common, with some lasting 20+ years.

Pays family caregivers a tax-free daily stipend for providing live-in 24-hour care to MassHealth-eligible individuals aged 16+ with a medical or mental condition who require a nursing facility level of care. Two payment tiers: Level 1 at $26/day and Level 2 at $50.25/day. The caregiver must live with the care recipient. Spouses and legal guardians may NOT serve as caregivers. Administered through Area Agencies on Aging. Known as Adult Foster Care (AFC). Daily rates are notably lower than other SFC states. Long-term placements are common. Income eligibility is determined through MassHealth, not this program directly.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

  • Household income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Asset limit of $2,000
  • Care recipient must be at least 16 years old
  • U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status required
  • Care recipient must have a qualifying disability or need for assistance
  • Caregiver must live with the care recipient
  • Must be a resident of MA
  • Must be Medicaid-eligible
  • No income test required
  • Must require a nursing facility level of care

Services

Pays family caregivers a tax-free daily stipend for providing live-in 24-hour care to MassHealth-eligible individuals aged 16+ with a medical or mental condition who require a nursing facility level of care. Two payment tiers: Level 1 at $26/day and Level 2 at $50.25/day. The caregiver must live with the care recipient. Spouses and legal guardians may NOT serve as caregivers. Administered through Area Agencies on Aging. Known as Adult Foster Care (AFC). Daily rates are notably lower than other SFC states. Long-term placements are common. Income eligibility is determined through MassHealth, not this program directly.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.

  • medicaid (depends_on): Care recipient must be MassHealth (Medicaid) eligible
  • hcbs-waivers (companion): AFC is a MassHealth program functioning as HCBS alternative to nursing facility