TRANSITION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 7, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 15

FACILITATING SAFE, SUPPORTED MOVES FROM INSTITUTIONAL SETTINGS TO INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY LIVING

Transition Assistance Services (TAS) in Massachusetts help individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions move out of institutional settings—such as nursing facilities or hospitals—and successfully reintegrate into the community. These services are covered under the Money Follows the Person (MFP) initiative and certain 1915(c) HCBS waiver programs, offering time-limited, person-centered support during the move and initial adjustment period.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

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

Role: Oversees MFP programs and Medicaid-funded transition initiatives

Agency: MassHealth (Medicaid)

Role: Authorizes and reimburses transition services through MFP and waivers

Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Role: Manages the Money Follows the Person program and Transition Coordinators

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and funding for the MFP demonstration program

2. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transition Assistance Services help individuals move from institutional settings to home or community-based living with appropriate supports.

Eligible services include:

Security deposits for leases
Essential household furnishings (beds, linens, cookware)
Utility setup fees (gas, electricity, water)
Initial groceries and basic cleaning supplies
Moving expenses (hiring movers or transporting belongings)
Home setup assistance (assembly, minor organization)
Coordination with housing, benefits, and waiver services

Services must be non-recurring and directly related to the transition process. All purchases must be pre-approved and documented in the individual's Transition Plan.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to become an MFP-approved or waiver provider
Secure general liability insurance
Develop policies for procurement, documentation, and HIPAA compliance
Partner with housing coordinators and support teams

Note: No specific clinical licensure is required, but experience with case management or service coordination is strongly recommended.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Mass Health and MFP Enrollment

Step 2: Apply with MRC or DDS (Depending on Population)

Submit credentials to become an authorized Transition Services vendor

Step 3: Submit Service Descriptions and Protocols

Outline your approach to purchasing, documentation, and safeguarding client funds

Step 4: Contract Execution and Network Integration

Sign provider agreements and begin receiving referrals from MFP Transition Coordinators or waiver case managers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or DBA filings
IRS EIN and NPI confirmations
Proof of insurance coverage
Transition Assistance Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Transition budgeting and planning forms
- Procurement and reimbursement tracking
- Inventory checklists for essential household items
- Receipts submission templates and audit logs
- Staff training and supervision protocols
- Emergency contacts and contingency procedures
- HIPAA compliance and confidentiality policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transition Services Coordinator / Support Worker

Requirements: High school diploma (minimum); experience with service coordination, housing navigation, or social work; background checks

Role: Program Manager / Fiscal Coordinator

Requirements: Oversight of purchasing, inventory, and Medicaid documentation; strong budgeting and compliance skills

Required Training:

Person-centered planning
Housing safety and tenant rights
HIPAA and privacy regulations
Budget management and receipt tracking
Abuse and neglect prevention

7. MEDICAID WAIVER & MFP PROGRAMS

TAS is authorized under:

MFP-Community Living Waiver
MFP-Residential Supports Waiver
ABI Waivers (Acquired Brain Injury)
DDS Waivers (for individuals with developmental disabilities)
Community Living Waiver (for older adults or those with physical disabilities)

Services are typically capped per transition (e.g., $5,000 max) and must be non-duplicative of other benefits (e.g., SNAP, Section 8, or PCA).

Providers must coordinate with:

MRC Transition Coordinators
Housing agencies and property managers
Waiver service providers and case managers

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: MassHealth and MFP Vendor Enrollment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring and Policy Manual Completion

Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: Provider Network Integration and Referrals

Timeline: Ongoing, based on institutional discharge plans and housing availability

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth Provider Enrollment

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

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) — MFP Program

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/money-follows-the-person

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

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

Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs)

https://www.masshousinginfo.org

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MASSACHUSETTS TRANSITION SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG helps housing nonprofits, peer support teams, and small service agencies become certified Transition Assistance Service providers under MFP and waiver programs.

Scope of Work: