Caregiver Compensation in Massachusetts: What You Should Know to Receive Compensation to Offset Caregiver Costs
Taking care of a loved one or friend in your home is a selfless act of service. It can also be expensive. According to the AARP, as of 2023 the unpaid work provided by family caregivers was valued at an estimated $600 billion. And that figure doesn’t include lost wages or additional costs of care, like food, medicine and equipment.
A 2019 survey found that 19 percent of working caregivers had to leave a job at some point to care for a family member or close friend.
“Family caregivers who disrupt their careers or leave the labor force entirely to meet full-time caregiving demands can face substantial economic risk and both short-term and long-term financial struggles,” notes the AARP. Studies estimated the value of missed work and lost wages by family caregivers of older adults at $67 billion.
Coping with the Costs
The Better Money Habits blog from Bank of America recommends strategies including planning ahead and researching tax benefits for caregivers, long-term care insurance and tax-advantaged health savings or spending accounts. They also recommend looking into federal and state-level financial assistance.
Did you know family caregivers in Massachusetts may qualify for payment through MassHealth’s Adult Foster Care program? Many families don’t realize they’re eligible to receive compensation for the care they’re already providing.
Monthly Compensation from the Adult Foster Care Program
Adult Foster Care (AFC) allows eligible adults to receive care in a home setting. The caregiver — often a family member — receives a tax-free stipend and ongoing support from a provider like Mass Care Link. For many families, that monthly payment can make the difference between an impossible struggle and financial security necessary to commit to taking care of a loved one at home.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care in this country,” explains Susan Reinhard, senior vice president, AARP Public Policy Institute, “We must treat family caregivers as the valuable resource that they are by providing them the support they need to care for loved ones while also caring for themselves.”
Who Qualifies to Be a Paid Caregiver in the AFC Program?
To qualify for Adult Foster Care support, caregivers must meet certain criteria. For example, they:
- Must live in the same home as the person receiving care
- Cannot be the spouse or legal guardian
- Must be at least 18 years old and pass background checks
Curious if you are eligible? Take this quick quiz to find out.
What Does Mass Care Link Provide?
Mass Care Link is a leading provider of Adult Foster Care services in Massachusetts. The organization guides families through every step of the AFC process, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support. Mass Care Link provides a variety of services for both caregivers and those they care for, including:
- Monthly tax-free payments: Mass Care Link helps with paperwork and compliance to ensure you receive your payment on-time everytime.
- Application Assistance: Mass Care Link helps families complete applications and gather required documentation.
- Training and Support: Caregivers receive comprehensive training to ensure they can meet the demands of their roles and our staff provides 24/7 assistance.
- Care Plan Development: Care specialists develop personalized care plans to align with each member’s needs.
- Regular Assessments: Mass Care Link conducts frequent evaluations to make sure members receive quality care.
- Compliance Oversight: The organization ensures that caregivers meet all regulatory requirements, providing peace of mind.
Why Choose Mass Care Link?
We’re a trusted MassHealth-approved provider serving families across Massachusetts. We handle the paperwork and provide the training so you can focus on what matters—caring for your loved one.
Interested in Joining? Contact us to learn more about caregiver eligibility and apply today.