Medicaid Waiver Guide – Massachusetts

Massachusetts Medicaid

Massachusetts currently has three programs waivers that are open to children. One is a TEFRA program, another is an HCBS 1915(c) Medicaid waiver for autism, and a state-based program, MassHealth CommonHealth, is part of an 1115 demonstration waiver. While the TEFRA program and state program waive parental income, the 1915(c) waiver counts parent income under most circumstances. See this page for an overview of health care in Massachusetts and this page for home and community based options.

Types of Waivers

Kaileigh Mulligan

• Description: Provides Medicaid coverage only.
• Online State Information: Kaileigh Mulligan
• How to Apply: Call the MassHealth Enrollment Center at 1-800-841-2900, then ask for Kaileigh Mulligan intake; or talk to your child’s hospital social worker or case manager.

Children’s Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Description from medicaid.gov: Provides community integration, expanded habilitation/education, homemaker, respite, assistive technology, behavioral supports and consultation, family training, home modifications and adaptations, individual goods and services, vehicle modification for children with autism, 0 – 8 yrs old.
• Online State Information: Autism Waiver Services
• Official Federal Information
• How to Apply: There is an annual enrollment period each October. Here is the 2024 information.

MassHealth CommonHealth

• Description: CommonHealth is comprehensive health insurance similar to MassHealth Standard, for eligible disabled adults and disabled children through age 18 who cannot get MassHealth Standard because their incomes are too high.
• Online State Information: MA Commonhealth beginning p. 12
• Official Federal Information
• How to Apply: Call the MassHealth Enrollment Center at 1-800-841-2900 or see online application info.

Other online resources for Massachusetts:

• A through guide on MassHealth CommonHealth Program.
• Find programs for people with developmental disabilities here.
• The Department of Developmental Services offers Family Support Centers that help with networking and parent training. Find out more here.
• The ARC of Massachusetts offers tons of different programs and services for families.

Telephone Resources

You can contact the Department of Developmental Services (617) 727-5608 to get more information on any of this information.

Read more: Special Education Schools in MA | Parent Guide

Ordering Goally with a Medicaid Waiver

Talk with your case manager to see if the waiver program you have will cover Goally. If so, have your case manager email us at: [email protected] to place an order on your behalf.