ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 7
3 min read

ENABLING GREATER INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PERSONALIZED DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Massachusetts provide critical tools and supports to help individuals with disabilities live more independently, communicate effectively, and perform everyday tasks. These services are available under Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, MassHealth programs, and through state-funded initiatives aimed at expanding access to adaptive technologies.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid policy and HCBS waiver administration

Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Role: Administers state-funded AT programs and facilitates service referrals for eligible individuals

Agency: MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)

Role: Authorizes AT under waiver services, including Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and environmental adaptations

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal funding and oversight for AT services through 1915(c) waivers and MFP programs

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology services support individuals with disabilities by providing equipment or services that maintain or improve functional capabilities. These may include:

Evaluation of assistive technology needs
Purchase, leasing, or customization of devices
Training for the individual, caregivers, and providers
Device maintenance and repair
Environmental control units or augmentative communication systems
Specialized software or mobility aids
Home modifications for accessibility (as allowed under waiver programs)

Services must be outlined in the individual’s care plan and justified through a clinical or functional assessment.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Obtain an IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Secure general liability and professional insurance
Maintain HIPAA-compliant client records and device logs
Employ or contract qualified professionals (e.g., Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), occupational/physical therapists)

For Home Modification or Installation Services:

Obtain applicable contractor licensure
Comply with Massachusetts building codes and ADA guidelines
Follow waiver-specific safety and quality standards

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register with Mass Health

Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Provider Online Service Center (POSC):https://massgov.account.gov

Step 2: Apply as a Waiver Provider (if relevant)

Submit documents to become a provider under specific waiver programs such as the ABI, MFP, or DDS waivers

Step 3: Submit Service Descriptions and Pricing

Outline device types, installation process, maintenance support, and staff qualifications for authorization approval

Step 4: Execute Provider Agreements

Complete MassHealth contracts and MRC partnership forms (if applicable)

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or business filings
IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI confirmation
Proof of liability and worker’s comp insurance
AT Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Client assessment forms
- Equipment recommendation templates
- Installation, repair, and tracking logs
- User training documentation
- Emergency device support procedures
- Consent and rights acknowledgement forms
- Staff credentials and technical certifications
- Billing and audit preparation documents

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Requirements: Certification from RESNA or equivalent experience in evaluating and implementing AT solutions

Role: Occupational/Physical Therapist (if providing assessments)

Requirements: Valid Massachusetts licensure, experience in adaptive equipment planning

Role: Installation Technician / Home Modification Specialist

Requirements: Contractor license (if modifying structures), training in accessibility and device mounting

Mandatory Trainings:

HIPAA and client privacy
Device safety and troubleshooting
Client-centered service delivery
Waiver documentation and billing protocols

7. MASSHEALTH & HCBS PROGRAMS

Assistive Technology services are reimbursed under:

ABI Waiver (Acquired Brain Injury)
MFP-Residential Supports Waiver
MFP-Community Living Waiver
DDS Waivers (Department of Developmental Services)
Community Living Waiver for Adults with Disabilities
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (non-Medicaid funding)

Services may also be coordinated with:

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefits
Home Accessibility Modifications
Environmental Adaptation Waiver Services
School-based AT (for minors, via IEP)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Professional Credentialing

Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Waiver Program Applications

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Service Manual Development and Staff Onboarding

Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: MRC/MassHealth Contract Execution and Service Rollout

Timeline: Ongoing based on service authorizations and referrals

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth Provider Enrollment

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshealth

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission

MassHealth Provider Online Service Center (POSC)

Portal: https://massgov.account.gov

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MASSACHUSETTS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER

WCG empowers entrepreneurs, clinicians, and adaptive tech installers to launch licensed, Medicaid-approved Assistive Technology services across Massachusetts.

Scope of Work: