MassHealth Standard for people 65 and older living at home
People 65 and older who live at home can get MassHealth Standard if their countable income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level ($1,330 a month for one person in 2026) and their countable assets are $2,000 or less ($3,000 for a couple). The home you live in does not count. People with higher income may still qualify by meeting a six-month deductible.
The numbers
| Income limit, 1 person (100% FPL, 2026) | $1,330 a month |
| Income limit, couple (100% FPL, 2026) | about $1,803 a month ($21,640 a year) |
| Asset limit — single | $2,000 |
| Asset limit — married couple living together | $3,000 |
| Deductible income standard — 1 person | $522 a month |
| Deductible income standard — couple | $650 a month |
| Medicare Savings Program (help with Medicare costs) income limit | up to 225% FPL; no asset test since 1 Mar 2024 |
Who qualifies
You must be 65 or older, live in Massachusetts in the community (not in a nursing home), and meet both the income and asset limits. MassHealth income limits change each year on March 1.
- Countable income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
- Countable assets of $2,000 or less for one person, or $3,000 for a married couple living together.
- The home you live in is not counted.
If your income or savings are over the limit
You can reduce assets to the limit, or qualify by meeting a deductible (sometimes called a spend-down). The deductible is six times the amount your monthly income is above $522 (one person) or $650 (couple). Once your medical bills in the six-month period reach that amount, MassHealth covers the rest of the period.
Separately, many people over the MassHealth limit still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, which can pay the Medicare Part B premium. There has been no asset limit for these programs since March 1, 2024.
What MassHealth Standard covers
Standard is MassHealth's most complete coverage. For people who also have Medicare, MassHealth generally pays costs Medicare does not, including premiums for those who qualify.
- Doctor, hospital, prescriptions and lab services
- Home health, personal care (PCA program) and adult day health
- Adult foster care and group adult foster care
- Dental services, hearing aids and durable medical equipment
- Hospice and nursing facility services
- Ambulance services
How to apply
Use the Senior application (SACA-2), online, by mail or by fax. SHINE counselors on the Cape can help you fill it out for free.
Mistakes families make
- Assuming you earn too much. The deductible route and the Medicare Savings Programs help many people over the basic limit.
- Counting the house. The home you live in is not a countable asset for community MassHealth.
- Not reporting changes. Income and asset changes must be reported, and coverage is reviewed each year.
Who to call on Cape Cod
| Who | Number | For |
|---|---|---|
| MassHealth Customer Service | (800) 841-2900 (TTY 711) | Applications, forms, questions about your case |
| SHINE — Cape & Islands | (508) 375-6762 | Free, unbiased help with Medicare, MassHealth and plan choices |
| Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands | 1-800-244-4630 (508-394-4630) | Free home assessment, home care, Frail Elder Waiver, nursing-home screening; South Dennis |
What we could not confirm: The single-person figure ($1,330) is from MassHealth's 2026 income standards, effective 1 Mar 2026. The couple figure is calculated from the 2026 federal poverty guideline ($21,640 a year); MassHealth's own chart may round it to $1,804. Covered services are listed in the regulation; specific limits apply to each service.
Next: All the ways to pay for care · Two-minute benefits check · What care costs on the Cape · Elder law attorneys
This page explains the rules; it is not legal advice. For your own situation, talk to an elder law attorney or SHINE.