Getting Help with Your MassHealthApplication in Massachusetts
Applying for MassHealth (Medicaid) coverage can be one of the most overwhelming parts of planning for long-term care. Whether your loved one is preparing to move into a nursing home, rehabilitation facility, or assisted living residence, understanding the application requirements—and getting approved—can make a major financial difference.
At Brunelle Medicaid Consultants, we help Massachusetts families simplify this process. Our goal is to ensure seniors get the care they need while protecting family assets and avoiding unnecessary delays. We work directly with families, caregivers, and facility staff across Wilbraham, Springfield, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, and surrounding Western Massachusetts communities to make the MassHealth process as stress-free as possible.
Why MassHealth Is So Important for Long-Term Care
MassHealth helps cover the high cost of nursing home and long-term care for eligible seniors. Without it, a family can quickly deplete their savings paying privately for care that can exceed $12,000–$15,000 per month in Massachusetts.
These costs are simply not sustainable for most families. Even those who have saved diligently for retirement can find their funds exhausted within a matter of months. MassHealth provides essential financial relief by covering medical expenses, room and board in nursing homes, and in many cases, personal care services in assisted living or at home.
However, the MassHealth application process is complex. Even a small mistake—such as an incomplete bank statement or missing signature—can lead to delays or denials that affect a loved one’s care and financial stability. Families often find themselves caught between facility billing departments, medical paperwork, and MassHealth requests that seem endless.
That’s where professional assistance makes all the difference. Our consultants specialize in navigating these requirements and ensuring every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed before the application is submitted.
Who Can Apply for MassHealth Long-Term Care MassHealth eligibility for seniors depends on several factors, including:
● Age (typically 65+)
● Residency in Massachusetts
● Medical need for nursing home level care
● Financial eligibility, including income and asset limits
Each applicant’s situation is unique. Married couples, homeowners, and those who have transferred assets in the past five years must meet additional requirements to avoid disqualification under the five-year look-back rule.
For example, a senior who transferred property or large sums of money to family members within the last few years may face a temporary period of ineligibility unless properly documented. Understanding these rules before applying can help prevent denials or penalties.
At Brunelle Medicaid Consultants, we review every financial and personal detail carefully to ensure your application meets current state guidelines. Our goal is to help families qualify for benefits while preserving as much of their hard-earned assets as possible.
Common Challenges Families Face When Applying Even families who are organized and proactive often face obstacles like: ● Confusing financial verification requests from MassHealth
● Questions about gifts or asset transfers made within the past five years ● Difficulty proving medical necessity for long-term care
● Delays in communication with MassHealth offices
● Missing deadlines due to unclear or changing instructions
Each of these issues can delay approval, leaving families responsible for months of nursing home bills until the application is finalized. Some nursing homes may even require private pay until coverage begins, which can quickly create financial strain.
Our team helps prevent these issues by preparing every document in advance and handling all communication with MassHealth on your behalf. We track deadlines, respond to requests, and keep you updated every step of the way.
How Brunelle Medicaid Consultants Can Help
Our consultants have years of experience guiding families through the entire MassHealth long-term care process—from the initial eligibility check to final approval.
We assist with:
● Reviewing financial documents for compliance
● Completing and submitting the MassHealth Long-Term Care Application ● Communicating with nursing homes, hospitals, and MassHealth caseworkers ● Helping protect a spouse’s or family’s assets legally and ethically
● Tracking deadlines and responding to documentation requests promptly ● Coordinating directly with facility admissions staff to avoid payment gaps
Many families come to us after attempting to apply on their own and realizing how complicated the process can become. Our job is to take the stress out of the process, so you can focus on what really matters—your loved one’s care and comfort.
We also provide asset preservation guidance, helping families understand which accounts, properties, and resources can be protected under MassHealth rules. This can be especially important for married couples where one spouse remains at home while the other requires nursing home care.
Our goal is to make the process less stressful, faster, and error-free, giving you peace of mind knowing everything is handled correctly the first time.
MassHealth and Assisted Living Facilities
Many families are surprised to learn that MassHealth can also assist with certain assisted living programs, especially through the Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) and Personal Care Attendant (PCA) programs.
These programs can help pay for:
● Personal care services
● Medication management
● Support within approved assisted living residences
● In-home care for those who wish to remain independent
At Brunelle Medicaid Consultants, we help families explore these lesser-known options that make assisted living more affordable and sustainable. Not every assisted living facility accepts these programs, but we can help identify which ones in your area do—and how to apply correctly.
For seniors who wish to remain at home, MassHealth also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that fund in-home personal care and support services. These can be life-changing for families hoping to avoid nursing home placement while still ensuring safety and quality care.
How to Get Started
If your loved one is in—or about to enter—a nursing home or assisted living facility, it’s important to start the MassHealth application process early. Waiting too long can cause unnecessary financial stress and delay approval.
You can:
1. Schedule a free consultation with Brunelle Medicaid Consultants.
We’ll review your situation, answer questions, and help determine eligibility.
2. Gather income, bank, and asset documentation.
Having these organized ahead of time can significantly speed up processing.
3. Let our team guide you through each step.
From start to finish, we ensure nothing gets missed and all paperwork is submitted accurately.
Early planning can save thousands of dollars and ease the transition into care. Whether you’re just beginning to explore long-term care options or already in the middle of an application, it’s never too late to get help.
We work with families across Western Massachusetts, including Wilbraham, Springfield, Monson, Palmer, Ludlow, and East Longmeadow, offering both in-person and remote consultations for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get approved for MassHealth?
Most applications take between 45–90 days, but timelines vary depending on the case’s
complexity and documentation. Working with a consultant helps prevent delays due to missing information or misunderstandings.
Q: Can MassHealth help pay for assisted living?
Yes, certain programs like GAFC or PCA can help with assisted living care. We can help determine which programs your loved one qualifies for and coordinate with approved facilities in your area.
Q: What if I’ve already applied and was denied?
We can review your denial letter, identify what went wrong, and help you appeal or reapply correctly. Many denials are reversible once the missing documentation or clarification is provided.
Q: Do you work directly with nursing homes?
Yes. We frequently collaborate with admissions and billing teams at nursing homes and assisted living facilities to keep applications moving smoothly and prevent gaps in coverage.
Q: Can you help protect assets for a spouse still living at home?
Absolutely. We help families structure their finances in a compliant way so that one spouse can receive care while the other remains financially secure.
Ready to Get Help with Your MassHealth Application?
Don’t navigate the system alone. Let Brunelle Medicaid Consultants help your family secure the care your loved one deserves and the peace of mind you need.
Our experienced consultants are here to simplify every step of the process—whether you need to start a new application, fix a denied one, or plan ahead for future care.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.