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 MassHealth
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
10. SCOPE OF WORK
- Business and Medicaid enrollment
- Assistive Technology policy & procedure manual development
- Waiver credentialing and documentation tools
- Device installation tracking and maintenance forms
- Staff onboarding, ATP sourcing, and clinical partnerships
- Coordination with MRC and DDS referral teams
- Billing systems and compliance checklist setup
WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MASSACHUSETTS AT PROVIDER
We empower entrepreneurs, clinicians, and adaptive tech installers to launch licensed, Medicaid-approved Assistive Technology services across Massachusetts.
To get started, click the link to request portal access