HOME CARE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 7
4 min read

LEVERAGING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO MONITOR, SUPPORT, AND ENHANCE IN-HOME CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Home Care Technology Services in Massachusetts enable individuals receiving care at home to maintain safety, independence, and better health outcomes through the use of digital tools, remote monitoring, and assistive systems. These services are increasingly supported by MassHealth Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, and other Medicaid-funded long-term care initiatives.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)

Role: Approves and reimburses home care technologies when deemed medically necessary and listed in the individual’s care plan

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

Role: Oversees waiver programs and Medicaid-funded innovations in home-based care

Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Role: May coordinate home-based technology services, especially under the MFP program

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and funding approval for Medicaid-covered technologies through 1915(c) waivers

2. HOME CARE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home care technology services include the selection, setup, training, and ongoing support of devices designed to ensure safety, communication, health monitoring, and environmental control for individuals receiving home-based services.

Common technologies include:

Emergency alert and fall detection systems
Smart medication dispensers and reminders
Remote patient monitoring (e.g., blood pressure, glucose)
Motion sensors and door alarms for elopement prevention
Voice-activated assistants integrated with care plans
Home automation systems (lighting, thermostat, blinds)
Two-way video communication for caregiver check-ins
Mobile apps for daily routines and care documentation

All devices must align with the individual’s Plan of Care (POC) or Individual Support Plan (ISP) and must not duplicate other covered services.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Obtain an IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Carry general liability insurance and cybersecurity protection
Enroll with MassHealth as a waiver provider
Hire or contract trained technology installers and support staff
Implement HIPAA-compliant software systems and data storage practices

Note: No special state license is required for non-clinical technology providers, but some services (e.g., remote health monitoring) may require coordination with clinicians.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: MassHealth Provider Enrollment

Step 2: Waiver Program Application (MFP, ABI, DDS, etc.)

Submit documents detailing your technology types, use cases, procurement process, and staff roles

Step 3: Technology Demonstration and Approval

Prepare sample workflows showing how each device addresses POC goals and enhances home care

Step 4: Provider Agreement Execution and Referrals

Collaborate with care coordinators, case managers, and therapists for referrals and authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or business filings
IRS EIN and NPI confirmations
Proof of liability insurance and cybersecurity plan
Home Care Technology Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Device assessment and recommendation forms
- Installation logs and service contracts
- User training and tech literacy checklists
- Emergency override protocols and response plans
- HIPAA-compliant data handling procedures
- Documentation for equipment warranty and replacement
- Billing logs and audit preparation documents

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Technology Specialist / Installer

Requirements: Experience with smart home and medical technology installation; background checks; technical certifications preferred

Role: Client Support Representative / Educator

Requirements: Knowledge of assistive tech and remote health devices; training in client communication and accessibility

Role: Program Supervisor / Service Coordinator

Requirements: Manages referrals, tracks device deployment, supervises staff

Required Trainings:

HIPAA and data privacy
Universal design and accessibility
Device troubleshooting and remote support
Emergency procedures and client safety
Cultural competence and disability sensitivity

7. MASSHEALTH & HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS THAT COVER HOME CARE TECH

Technology services may be reimbursed under:

ABI Waivers (Acquired Brain Injury)
MFP Waivers (Residential and Community Living)
DDS Waivers (Community Living and Intensive Supports)
Community Living Waiver (for aging adults and those with physical disabilities)
State-funded home care or technology innovation grants

Examples of covered services:

Installation and training for home-based alert systems
Integration of technology into daily support routines
Monthly tech support and maintenance
Data tracking/reporting as part of care monitoring

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: MassHealth and Waiver Enrollment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Technology Policy Manual and Staff Training

Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: Referral Network Integration and Device Rollout

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth Provider Enrollment Portal

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

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

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

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

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

Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) – Aging & technology support

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-elder-affairs

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

WCG supports tech startups, DME providers, and in-home care companies in launching Medicaid-approved home care technology programs across Massachusetts.

Scope of Work: