Senior Care Options in Massachusetts: Eligibility, Benefits and Plans
Senior Care Options (SCO) is a voluntary Massachusetts health program for eligible adults age 65 and older. It combines Medicaid (MassHealth Standard) and Medicare benefits in one plan, with one member card and one coordinated care team.
SCO covers medical care, behavioral health services, prescription drugs, and geriatric support services. Each member also has a care coordinator who can explain benefits, connect services, and help manage care.
Who is eligible for Senior Care Options in Massachusetts?
- Be age 65 or older
- Live in a Massachusetts area served by a SCO plan
- Have MassHealth Standard
- Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
- Qualify for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
- Live at home or in an eligible long-term care facility
Additional eligibility rules may apply, so confirm your status with MassHealth or a SCO plan before enrolling.
What does Senior Care Options cover?
Benefits vary somewhat by plan, but SCO plans generally include coordinated medical and behavioral health care, prescription drug coverage, dental and vision services, transportation, home- and community-based supports, care transitions assistance, medication management, and respite care.
Does Senior Care Options cover Adult Foster Care?
Yes. Senior Care Options plans cover Adult Foster Care for members who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Adult Foster Care provides daily personal care from a qualified live-in caregiver, along with nursing oversight and care management. The member and caregiver live together in the member’s home or the caregiver’s home. A caregiver may be a family member, excluding a spouse or legal guardian, or another qualified individual. Eligibility and authorization should be confirmed with the member’s SCO plan.
Careforth is an AFC provider contracted with all six SCO plans across the state. If you are interested in learning more about AFC through your SCO plan, call us at 866-797-2333.
How Can a Care Coordinator Help?
A care coordinator serves as a central point of contact. They can help you understand your coverage, coordinate appointments and services, support transitions between care settings, and connect you with resources that may help you remain safe and independent in your home and community.
SCO vs. One Care vs. PACE: What’s the Difference?
Massachusetts has three integrated programs for people with both MassHealth and Medicare. The right one depends mostly on age and care needs.
| Senior Care Options (SCO) | One Care | PACE | |
| Age | 65+ | 21–64 at enrollment | 55+ |
| Coverage | MassHealth Standard + Medicare | MassHealth + Medicare | MassHealth and/or Medicare |
| Who it’s for | Older adults at any level of need | Adults with disabilities | Adults who need a nursing-facility level of care but can live safely in the community |
| How care is delivered | Plan network with a care coordinator | Plan network with a care coordinator | Centered on a PACE day health center |
Which SCO plans are available in Massachusetts?
SCO availability depends on the county where you live. Use the MassHealth SCO plan finder to see which plans serve your county.
- Commonwealth Care Alliance Senior Care Options
- Fallon Health’s NaviCare
- Mass General Brigham SCO
- Senior Whole Health SCO
- Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options
- UnitedHealthcare
How do you enroll in a Senior Care Options plan?
- Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Find the SCO plans available in your county.
- Compare provider networks, pharmacies, covered medications and any plan-specific extra benefits.
- Contact the plan directly to ask questions and request enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Care Options
No. SCO is a Massachusetts program that combines eligible members’ Medicare and Medicaid (MassHealth) benefits into one coordinated plan.
Yes. SCO includes prescription drug coverage. Review each plan’s drug list and participating pharmacies before enrolling.
Yes, some people who live in long-term care facilities may qualify. Certain facility types are excluded, so confirm eligibility with MassHealth or the SCO plan.
For official program details, eligibility updates and contact information, visit the MassHealth Senior Care Options page.
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