How Government Benefits and MassHealth Work Together to Protect Massachusetts Families

Navigating government benefit programs can feel overwhelming. When trying to understand how MassHealth, Medicare, and Social Security overlap, the situation becomes even more complicated. Each program serves a unique purpose, but coordinating them effectively can make a life-changing difference in the affordability and quality of care for aging loved ones.

At Romano Law, we know families often come to us unsure where to begin. Questions about income limits, eligibility rules, and how to preserve savings are common. The good news is that with proper planning, you can make the most of these programs while ensuring your long-term care needs are met.

Understanding the Role of MassHealth

MassHealth is Massachusetts’ Medicaid program. It provides health coverage to low- and moderate-income individuals, including seniors who need help paying for long-term care.

MassHealth is often the only public program that covers extended long-term care costs, such as nursing home or in-home services that Medicare typically does not pay for. Understanding the rules early helps families protect their assets while qualifying for care.

What Services Are Covered

MassHealth may help pay for:

• Nursing home and skilled nursing care
• In-home or personal care assistance
• Adult day health services
• Prescription medications
• Hospital and physician care

It’s important to note that Medicare and private insurance generally cover only short-term rehabilitation. Ongoing long-term care is typically not covered. MassHealth fills that gap, but eligibility depends on income, assets, and medical need.

Coordinating MassHealth with Other Government Benefits

Many families in Massachusetts rely on Medicare, Social Security, and MassHealth simultaneously.

Understanding how these programs interact can prevent coverage gaps and financial surprises.

• Social Security provides a monthly income but does not cover medical or long-term care costs.
• Medicare covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and limited rehabilitation, but usually only up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility.
• MassHealth helps pay for long-term or in-home care once income and assets fall within eligibility limits.

Each program has its own rules, and eligibility for one doesn’t automatically guarantee coverage under another. That’s why coordinated planning with help from an elder law attorney familiar with both state and federal regulations is key to protecting care access and family assets.

MassHealth Long-Term Care Planning

MassHealth’s long-term care benefits are means-tested, which means eligibility is determined by both income and assets. Applicants must meet financial thresholds set by Massachusetts regulations to qualify for coverage in a nursing home or through home-based care programs.

Proper advance planning can protect family assets while maintaining eligibility. Legal tools that may help include:

• Irrevocable trusts to preserve assets for loved ones while meeting MassHealth limits
• Health care proxies and powers of attorney to ensure decision-making authority during incapacity
• Life estate deeds to protect the family home while retaining the right to live there

Common Misconceptions About MassHealth Benefits

Many families delay planning because they’ve heard incorrect or incomplete information. Here are a few myths we often help clients clarify:

• “I make too much to qualify.” Even if your income seems high, certain medical expenses and deductions may still allow eligibility.
• “I’ll lose my home.” With proper legal planning, the family home can often be protected while qualifying for benefits.
• “It’s too late to plan.” Even if a loved one has already entered a nursing home, there may still be strategies to preserve assets and obtain coverage.

At Romano Law, clients often tell us they’re relieved after learning that eligibility and protection options are broader than they thought. 

Preparing for the Future

Understanding how MassHealth works alongside other government benefits is only part of the equation. A comprehensive estate plan ensures that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

An estate plan can:

• Protect assets while maintaining eligibility for MassHealth
• Designate trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions if needed
• Provide clear instructions for how your property will be managed or distributed

By combining long-term care planning with estate planning, families can achieve both peace of mind and financial security.

Key Takeaways

• MassHealth fills a critical coverage gap. It provides long-term care assistance that Medicare and private insurance typically don’t.
• Eligibility depends on income and assets. Planning ahead allows families to meet the rules without depleting savings.
• Myths can be costly. Many Massachusetts families qualify for more help than they realize.
• Professional guidance is essential. An experienced elder law attorney can coordinate benefits and protect family assets effectively.

Ready to Start Planning? 

Coordinating MassHealth with other government benefits can feel complicated—but understanding how they work together is one of the best ways to protect your family’s future. With the right plan, you can preserve assets, maintain care options, and ensure your loved ones are supported every step of the way.

At Kristine Romano Law, we believe in making complex planning simple, personal, and compassionate. Our team works closely with Massachusetts families to design long-term care and estate plans that reflect their goals and provide peace of mind. Contact Kristine Romano Law today to take the next step.

References:  Mass.gov – MassHealth Long-Term Care Services and Medicare.gov – What’s Covered by Original Medicare and Social Security Administration – Retirement Benefits