I. HCBS Waivers
Individuals in an HCBS waiver can receive both traditional MassHealth services and the additional services available through the HCBS waiver in which they are enrolled. All Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) participants will work with a case manager through their Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) or Senior Care Organization (SCO) to develop a service plan that will reflect the waiver services and support they need in the community.
Any willing and qualified provider has the opportunity to enroll as a provider of waiver services. Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) services are coordinated through the network of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAP).
A provider may contract with one or more SCO plans to provide FEW services for participants enrolled in SCO. More information for providers about SCO can be found on the SCO and Providers page.
II. About FEW
The Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) is a Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver designed to make supports available to eligible elders aged 60 and older who meet the level of care for a nursing facility but prefer to remain in the community.
To qualify for the FEW, a person must meet certain eligibility requirements. More information about these requirements can be found here on this Frail Elder Waivers: information for providers page.
III. FEW Services
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
- 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
IV. FEW Provider Enrollment
For all FEW services other than Homemaker and Personal Care, interested providers should contact the local ASAP directly to express interest.
Providers interested in contracting with ASAPs to provide Homemaker and/or Personal Care are required to submit an electronic application via the NOI website. ASAPs can only contract with a Homemaker agency that successfully completes the Homemaker Notice of Intent (NOI) to contract process, a standardized procurement for the selection of Homemaker and Personal Care providers. Elder Affairs reviews applications submitted through this site and accepts or rejects each application. Providers are able to re-submit rejected applications through the NOI website.
The local ASAP may have an interest in reviewing a provider’s accepted application (those ASAPs that were checked off in the application) and the ASAP makes the decision to enter into a contract.
For more information for providers, please visit the 800 Age Info
For more information about the NOI, please visit HNOI Announcements on the 800AgeInfo site.
Access the EOEA NOI Contract Management System
V. Contact
To learn more about becoming a provider of Waiver Services, see the EOEA NOI Contract Management System