Massachusetts offers special MassHealth programs for specific situations. One is for MassHealth members in nursing homes or rehab hospitals who want to live in the community. This is called the Moving Forward Program which allows Massachusetts the ability to "waive" or set aside certain Medicaid (MassHealth) regulations, facilitating the return of individuals to the community with necessary assistance.
These programs work closely with individuals to plan their own personalized services. Participants in the Moving Forward Program can choose their preferred services independently. The goal is to help individuals achieve their personal goals. Below, you will find program details, eligibility requirements, and information on how to apply.
Program Details
The Moving Forward Program includes three waivers:
- Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI Waiver)
- Acquired Brain Injury Non-Residential Waiver (ABI-N Waiver)
- Moving Forward Plan Community Living Waiver (MFP-CL Waiver)
Two other related waivers are operated by the Department of Developmental Services:
- Acquired Brain Injury Residential Habilitation Waiver (ABI-RH Waiver)
- Moving Forward Plan Residential Supports Waiver (MFP-RS Waiver)
The ABI and the MFP waivers can only be entered from a nursing or rehabilitation hospital facility. People in the community with a Traumatic Brain Injury can become eligible for the TBI waiver.
Waivers Provided by MassAbility
The MassAbility Home and Community Life division provides case management support to participants in the Moving Forward Program. Case Management support helps people to live in the community with services. The MassAbility waivers within the Moving Forward Program include:
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver
The ABI Waiver program is designed to assist individuals who have resided in a nursing home or long-term care hospital for a minimum of 90 days. Those seeking to transition back into the community with appropriate services can opt for the ABI - Non-Residential Habilitation Waiver. This waiver is specifically tailored to provide assistance to adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI) who don't require around-the-clock assistance and support. An acquired brain injury refers to any form of brain injury occurring after birth and not attributable to inheritance. Beneficiaries of the ABI-N waiver reside either with their families or in their own homes.
Moving Forward Plan (MFP) Waiver
The MFP Waiver is designed to assist individuals who have resided in a nursing home or long-term care hospital for a minimum of 90 days. If individuals wish to transition back into the community with supportive services, they have the option to apply for the MFP - Community Living Waiver. This waiver offers assistance to adults who require less than 24-hour support and care. Those enrolled in the MFP Waiver typically live with their families or in their own homes.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
The TBI Waiver is designed to assist individuals with traumatic brain injuries who have a desire to reside within the community. A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person's head sustains an injury from an external source impacting the skull. To qualify for this waiver, individuals must meet the eligibility criteria for placement in a nursing facility or a chronic/rehabilitation hospital. Members of the Moving Forward Program are also eligible to utilize state services and rely on the informal support provided by their families and caregivers.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirements | ABI Waiver | MFP Waiver | TBI Waiver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply for the waiver while living in a facility | yes | yes | |
| Have a TBI | yes | ||
| Have an ABI that was sustained at age 22 or older | yes | ||
| Be a disabled adult or be age 65 or older | yes | yes | |
| Have been living in a facility for at least 90 days | yes | yes | |
| Meet clinical level of care requirements | yes | yes | yes |
| Need waiver services in the community | yes | yes | yes |
| Meet financial requirements to qualify for MassHealth Standard | yes | yes | yes |
| Be able to be safely served in the community | yes | yes | yes |
Contact Information
For more information including how to apply, and to download application materials, please visit the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Moving Forward Plan (MFP) Waivers page.
or call
- MRC ABI/MFP Waiver Program (617) 204-3747
- The University of Massachusetts Medical School, (855) 499-5109 or TTY: (800) 596-1746