Frail Elder Waiver: Information for applicants and participants

The Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) is a program for individuals aged 60 and older who qualify for care in a nursing facility but want to live at home. The program provides participants with community services and supports.

About the Program

The Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) is a Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver designed to make supports available to eligible frail elders aged 60 and older who meet the level of care for a nursing facility but prefer to remain in the community.

An eligible person may enroll in FEW at any time.

Eligibility Criteria

MassHealth applicants or members may  apply for FEW at any time.

To qualify for FEW, an individual must

• Either be
  • 60-64 years of age and have a disability, or
  • 65 years of age or older
• Meet clinical eligibility requirements
• Need FEW services
• Live in a community setting that meets the requirement of the CMS Community Rule  and does not include assisted living, group homes or rest home.
• Be able to be safely served in the community within the terms of FEW, and
• Meet the financial requirements to qualify for MassHealth Standard in the community. Special financial rules exist for waiver applicants and participants.
• Not be enrolled in another HCBS waiver, One Care Plan, or PACE program.

Participants in FEW may reside in their own home or apartment or in the home or apartment of a family member or caregiver. Participants in FEW may also reside in Congregate Housing. Participants in FEW cannot reside in residential settings such as Assisted Living Residences and Rest Homes or in institutional settings such as nursing facilities, except for brief periods when receiving respite services.

Services Offered

All FEW participants work with a Case Manager to develop their Comprehensive Service Plan, which includes the participant’s goals and the waiver services and supports the participant needs in the community.

FEW services include the following:

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Coaching Assisted Transportation Assistive Technology – Electronic Comfort Animals Assistive Technology for Telehealth Chore Companion Complex Care Training and Oversight (formerly Skilled Nursing) Enhanced Technology/Cellular Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Environmental Accessibility Adaptation Evidence Based Education Programs Goal Engagement Program Grocery Shopping and Delivery Home Based Wandering Response Systems Home Delivered Meals

Home Delivery of Pre-packaged Medication Home Health Aide Home Safety/Independence Evaluations (formerly Occupational Therapy) Homemaker Laundry Medication Dispensing System Orientation and Mobility Services Peer Support Personal Care Respite Supportive Day Program Supportive Home Care Aide Transitional Assistance Transportation Virtual Communication and Monitoring (VCAM)

Frail Elder Waiver and Senior Care Options

Frail Elder Waiver participants age 65 or older, may be able to enroll in a Senior Care Options (SCO) plan. FEW participants who are enrolled in SCO have access to all waiver services and all services offered by their SCO plan. Enrollment in SCO is voluntary. If a FEW participant disenrolls from their SCO plan, they will continue to have access to FEW services.

How to Enroll

You may request to enroll in the FEW program at any time by doing one of the following

• Contact your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) to request a clinical eligibility assessment.
• Complete and mail an online application to your local ASAP

To qualify for the Frail Elder Waiver (FEW), you must meet clinical and financial eligibility requirements, as described above.

Financial eligibility for FEW is determined directly by MassHealth. If you need assistance applying for MassHealth, you may contact your local ASAP or contact MassHealth Customer Service.

Additional resources

To find the specific ASAP which serves the geographic area covering the applicant's current residential address, use the link or ASAP list below:

Find Your Regional Aging Services Access Point (ASAP)

List of Aging Services Access Point

For help identifying your local ASAP contact the MassOptions call center and ask for a referral to an options counselor by calling 800-243-4636 or visit massoptions.org to fill out an online referral form.

Last updated:	December 31, 2025