MA Intensive Supports Waiver

The Intensive Supports Waiver is a pivotal program within Massachusetts' healthcare landscape, designed to cater to individuals who require round-the-clock supervision and support due to complex behavioral, medical, and physical needs. This Medicaid waiver empowers care recipients to remain safely in their communities while receiving necessary services. A unique aspect of the program is that it offers participant-directed services, allowing individuals greater control of their care.

Overview of Massachusetts' Intensive Supports Waiver

The Intensive Supports Waiver is a crucial Medicaid program designed to provide comprehensive, community-based services to adults aged 22 or older with intellectual disabilities who require high support due to significant behavioral, medical, and/or physical needs. Its primary goal is to offer 24/7 supervision and assistance to individuals in out-of-home placements or their family homes with additional support.

The program caters to a specific population, including individuals transitioning from Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs-ID) or nursing facilities, young adults aging out of special education, and those whose needs and caregiver circumstances have become more complex, necessitating round-the-clock care.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Intensive Supports Waiver in Massachusetts, individuals must meet specific criteria to demonstrate their need for comprehensive support and 24/7 supervision due to significant behavioral, medical, and/or physical challenges. The eligibility process involves a thorough assessment to determine if the applicant meets the following requirements:

1. Age and Disability Criteria: Applicants must be 22 or older. They should have a documented intellectual disability per the state's definition and guidelines.
2. Residency: The individual must be a resident of Massachusetts to be eligible for the Intensive Supports Waiver.
3. Functional Limitations: The applicant must have substantial functional limitations requiring constant care and supervision.
4. Assessment of Needs: A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to evaluate the level of support required, and the individual must demonstrate the need for 24-hour care.
5. Financial Eligibility: While this waiver has no income limits, the prospective service budget must exceed $70,000 per year. Individuals with a service budget below $70,000 who reside in a group home or shared living setting are still required to enroll in the Intensive Supports Waiver due to specific services' unavailability in other DDS Adult Waivers.
6. Priority Population: The Intensive Supports Waiver prioritizes individuals transitioning from Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs-ID) or nursing facilities. Young adults aging out of special education programs and individuals with increasingly complex needs requiring 24-hour care are also prioritized.

Services and Supports

The Intensive Supports Waiver in Massachusetts offers a comprehensive array of services. It supports tailored to meet the specific needs of eligible individuals requiring constant supervision and assistance due to significant behavioral, medical, and/or physical challenges. The range of services available through the waiver ensures that care recipients can remain safely integrated within their communities while receiving the required care. Some of the key benefits and supports include:

1. Live-In Caregiver Services: Providing adult companionship and assistance for individuals within their homes.
2. Assistive Technology: Equipping participants with tools and devices to enhance their independence and daily functioning.
3. Occupational Therapy: Helping individuals develop daily living skills and achieve greater independence.
4. Behavioral Supports and Consultation: Assisting participants in managing challenging behaviors and emotional needs.
5. Center-Based Day Supports: Offering structured activities and social engagement at community-based centers.
6. Residential Habilitation: Providing support and training to individuals residing in group homes or shared living arrangements.
7. Respite Care: Offering temporary relief to primary caregivers by providing short-term care for the participant.
8. Speech and Physical Therapy: Assisting individuals with speech-language development and physical rehabilitation.
9. Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies: Supplying necessary medical equipment to meet specific health needs.
10. Supported Employment: Assisting participants in finding and maintaining employment suited to their abilities.
11. Home Modification and Adaptations: Making necessary home adjustments for accessibility and safety.
12. Transportation Services: Transportation to medical appointments, community activities, and employment.
13. Family Training: Offering education and support to families to better care for their loved ones.
14. Individualized Day and Home Supports: Tailored services based on individual needs and preferences.
15. Self-Directed Home Sharing: Facilitating shared living arrangements with appropriate support for participants.

These services are essential for enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives within their communities while receiving the level of support necessary to meet their complex needs.

Compensation for family caregivers

Under the Intensive Supports Waiver in Massachusetts, there is a provision for compensating unpaid family caregivers. The program offers a self-directed care option, allowing participants greater control over their services and support. Through this option, eligible individuals can choose to direct their care, including the ability to hire and manage their family members as caregivers. By doing so, family caregivers are recognized for their crucial work, and they can receive compensation for their dedicated efforts in supporting their loved ones with significant behavioral, medical, and physical needs. The self-directed care option empowers participants to make decisions about their care and ensures that family caregivers are fairly compensated for their essential contributions to the healthcare system.

Learn more about Medicaid self-directed care >>

A note from Givers

Family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, providing invaluable support to their loved ones with significant needs. If you are a family caregiver in Massachusetts, take the first step towards receiving the acknowledgment you deserve. Fill out this form to determine if you are eligible for caregiver compensation.