Question 1

What is Adult Foster Care (AFC)?

Accepted Answer

Adult Foster Care is a MassHealth program that supports adults who need daily help with personal care to live safely in a home setting rather than a facility. A qualified caregiver — often a family member — provides that care and receives a stipend, training, and ongoing nurse oversight. The stipend is generally excluded from federal taxable income when applicable requirements are met.

Question 2

How is Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) different from AFC?

Accepted Answer

GAFC provides personal care to MassHealth members who live in approved group or supportive housing, such as certain senior apartment communities. AFC is delivered in a private home by a live-in caregiver. Both include registered-nurse oversight; the setting and caregiver arrangement are the main differences.

Question 3

Does this cost my family anything?

Accepted Answer

For members who qualify through MassHealth, AFC and GAFC services are provided at no cost. We verify eligibility with you before enrollment so there are no surprises.

Question 4

Can I be paid to care for my own parent?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. A qualified adult child, sibling, other relative, or trusted non-relative may be able to serve as the paid AFC caregiver. A spouse or legal guardian cannot serve as the paid AFC caregiver. We'll review your specific situation and explain exactly who can serve in that role.

Question 5

Who qualifies for AFC?

Accepted Answer

AFC may be available to MassHealth members age 16 or older who need physical assistance, cueing, or supervision with at least one activity of daily living and can live safely in a home with caregiver support. The member and the paid caregiver must live together in the member's or caregiver's private home. A nurse assessment confirms the level of need, and eligibility is subject to MassHealth and health-plan verification.

Question 6

Who qualifies for GAFC?

Accepted Answer

GAFC may be available to adults age 22 or older who qualify for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth, live in an eligible home setting, and need physical assistance, cueing, or supervision with at least one activity of daily living. Coverage and clinical eligibility are subject to MassHealth and health-plan verification.

Question 7

Is approval guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. Many families may qualify, but final approval is not guaranteed. Eligibility depends on MassHealth coverage, documented care needs, living arrangements, program rules, and any required authorization. We tell you honestly where you stand before anything is signed.

Question 8

How long does it take to get started?

Accepted Answer

Enrollment timing varies. Services and caregiver payments begin only after eligibility, clinical review, required authorization, and onboarding are completed. Timing depends on MassHealth verification, physician documentation, background checks, and scheduling the in-home assessment. We move as quickly as your documentation allows and keep you updated throughout.

Question 9

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Based in Springfield, we serve communities across western and central Massachusetts, including Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Berkshire, and Worcester counties. Call us to confirm coverage for your town.

Question 10

What kind of training and support do caregivers receive?

Accepted Answer

Caregivers receive orientation, hands-on training, and a personalized plan of care. A registered nurse visits regularly, and our team is available for questions, guidance, and support whenever they're needed.

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