Funding for Medically Necessary AT for Elders
Help accessing services:
Executive Office of Elder Affairs: Aging Services Access Points (ASAPS)
ASAPS provide coordination services around the state, including help accessing needed AT/DME through state and federal funding sources. Read more.
Funding sources:
MassHealth (Medicaid)
Health insurance for very low to medium income people living in Massachusetts is available through the various programs of MassHealth. MassHealth can provide health care benefits directly or pay all or part of an individual or family's health-insurance premium.
MassHealth Standard
Includes coverage for people over age 65 with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level. There are additional asset tests for seniors. DME is a covered benefit. Read more.
MassHealth CommonHealth
Includes coverage for working seniors with disabilities who are over-income for MassHealth Standard and have no private insurance. There is no upper-income limit or asset test and premiums are determined on a sliding scale. DME is covered. Read more.
Commonwealth Care
State-subsidized health insurance is available to adult residents of Massachusetts (US citizens, nationals, and legal aliens) who are uninsured and meet income guidelines (up to 300% of the federal poverty level). DME is a covered benefit: co-pays and premiums vary by plan type. Read more.
Medicare
This federal program includes limited health insurance benefits for people 65 years of age and older. Some DME is covered under "home health" through Medicare Part A, and more DME benefits are available under the optional Part B coverage. Read more.
Private Insurance
Private health insurance is the "payer of first resort" for DME, if you have it. Advice and resources are provided here for understanding your coverage, obtaining "prior approval," and appealing denials. Read more.
