Massachusetts Medicaid for Seniors: MassHealth Eligibility and How to Apply

A guide for seniors, families & caregivers — Updated 2026

If you or a loved one is 65 or older and living in Massachusetts, understanding your Medicaid options can make a profound difference in the care and coverage you receive. Massachusetts calls its Medicaid program MassHealth, and it offers a range of coverage types specifically designed to help seniors access medical care, long-term services, and home-based support. This guide breaks down eligibility rules, income and asset limits, and how to apply — in plain language.

What Is MassHealth?

MassHealth is Massachusetts’ combined Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). For seniors, MassHealth can cover a wide range of services including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, nursing home care, and home- and community-based services — often at little or no cost to the enrollee.

Get the Complete Medicaid Guide for Seniors →

MassHealth Coverage Types for Seniors

Seniors age 65 and older may qualify for several different MassHealth program types depending on their income, assets, and care needs:

• MassHealth Standard — The most comprehensive coverage, available to seniors who meet income and asset limits. Covers most medical services including nursing facility care.
• MassHealth CommonHealth — For individuals with disabilities, including seniors who qualify based on a disability determination.
• MassHealth CarePlus — For adults aged 19–64, so this does not apply to seniors 65+.
• Senior Care Options (SCO) — A managed care program combining MassHealth and Medicare benefits for seniors who want coordinated care through a single plan.
• One Care — For adults aged 21–64 who have both Medicare and MassHealth; not for seniors 65+.

Most seniors pursuing long-term care benefits — including nursing home coverage — will apply for MassHealth Standard.

2026 MassHealth Eligibility Requirements for Seniors

To qualify for MassHealth Standard as a senior (age 65+), applicants must meet requirements in three main areas: residency, income, and assets.

Note: Income and asset figures are approximate 2026 values and may be adjusted periodically. Always verify current limits directly with MassHealth or an elder law attorney.

What Counts as an Asset — and What Doesn’t

Not everything you own counts toward the asset limit. Exempt assets for MassHealth purposes typically include:

• Your primary home (if you or your spouse lives there, or you intend to return)
• One vehicle
• Personal belongings and household furniture
• Prepaid burial plans and life insurance with limited face value

Countable assets include bank accounts, investments, additional real estate, and most other financial accounts. If your countable assets exceed the limit, you may need to spend down those assets before qualifying.

The MassHealth Look-Back Period

Massachusetts enforces a 60-month (5-year) look-back period for nursing home applicants. This means MassHealth will review all asset transfers made within the five years prior to your application. Gifts or transfers made for less than fair market value during this window may result in a penalty period — a period of time during which MassHealth will not pay for nursing facility care. Proper planning with a qualified elder law attorney is strongly recommended before making any asset transfers.

How to Apply for MassHealth

1. Gather your documents — You’ll need proof of age, Massachusetts residency, Social Security number, income (Social Security statements, pension letters), and asset documentation (bank statements, investment accounts, property records).
2. Apply online — Visit mass.gov/masshealth and use the online application portal.
3. Last Updated on 5 November 2026 by ingmin