About MassHealth LTSS Public Assessor Option

The public assessor option (PAO) can complete assessments for members seeking any of the services listed below. An assessment is a review where a nurse will talk with you about your needs to help find out if you qualify for a service.

1. Adult Foster Care

Live in your own home or in a qualified caregiver’s home with support from that caregiver.

Adult Foster Care may help MassHealth members who

• Are 16 or older
• Need physical assistance or cueing and supervision with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility
• Can live safely in a home setting with a caregiver’s support
  • The caregiver may be a family member (excluding spouses or legal guardians) or non-family caregiver able and willing to provide daily personal care as a live-in caregiver. The individual must meet specific qualifications in accordance with AFC program regulations.

Go to the MassHealth Adult Foster Care program fact sheet to learn more. 

2. Adult Day Health (ADH)

Go to a daytime program to get medical care and help with daily activities, while still living at home.

Adult Day Health may help MassHealth members who:

• Are age 18 or older
• Have MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth or be authorized for ADH services through MassHealth’s One Care, Senior Care Options (SCO), or PACE
• Have ADH services ordered by their primary care provider (MD, PA, NP)
• Have a chronic or post- acute medical, cognitive, or mental health condition that requires supervision and support by a nurse.
• Have at least one skilled nursing service need or require assistance with one or more activity of daily living, including: bathing, toileting, transferring, mobility, and eating.  The full eligibility requirements can be found at 130 CMR 404.000

Go to the MassHealth Adult Day Health program fact sheet to learn more. 

3.  Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC)

Get personal care support from direct care workers where you live. This may be in an assisted living facility or other supportive housing.

Group Adult Foster Care may help MassHealth members who:

• Are 22 years or older
• Require physical assistance or cueing and supervision with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, or mobility
• Qualify for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth

Go to the MassHealth Group Adult Foster Care program fact sheet to learn more.

4. Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Services

Get help with daily Activities at home or in the community. You are in charge of your own care or have someone that helps you manage it. 

Personal Care Attendant services may help MassHealth members who:

• Be eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth
• Have a permanent or chronic disability
• Require physical assistance with two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating or mobility
• Must be able to manage their own PCA services or have a Surrogate or Administrative Proxy to assist them

Go to the MassHealth Personal Care Attendant program fact sheet to learn more.