Complex Care Assistant Program

We encourage you to explore all the details of the CCA Program below. Getting familiar with every part will give you a clear picture of what’s involved!

  • Complex Care Assistant services are a unique service for MassHealth members who meet the medical necessity requirements for Continuous Skilled Nursing (CSN) services. This service type provides more support for Community Case Management members. It also offers a path to pay caregivers for specialized care to medically complex MassHealth members. This service does not replace CSN services. CCA services complement CSN services and provide an additional care option.

    CCAs are able to complete “personal care services,” which include all the same tasks that a HHA can do. Additionally, CCAs can perform “enhanced care services” that do not require the skills, judgement, or assessment of a nurse.

  • To qualify for the CCA Program, the following criteria must be met:

    1. The individual must be a CCM Member.

    2. The individual must qualify for CSN services.

      • CCM will conduct a CCA evaluation to determine the CCA needs and hours.

    3. The individual must require hands-on support with at least two Activities of Daily Living.

      • These activities include:

        • Bathing

        • Personal hygiene

        • Dressing

        • Grooming

        • Feeding

        • Transfer/ Mobility assistance

        • Toileting

    4. The individual must require assistance with some of the following CCA tasks:

      • Enteral G‑tube / J‑tube feedings (pump setup/discontinuation; bolus feeds; does not include tube replacement)

      • Routine skin care or G‑tube/J‑tube maintenance; use of over‑the‑counter products; care of stomas; simple non‑medicated dressing changes

      • Oxygen therapy setup (tubing/cannula) at an ordered flow rate, excluding responses to respiratory emergencies requiring a nurse’s assessment

      • Oral suction for superficial secretions; including setup and cleaning of suction device

      • Ostomy or catheter care—emptying or changing bags; cleaning skin when no specialized skin care is required; catheter replacement is not included

      • Modified meal preparation—not requiring nurse oversight; includes modifying consistency as directed

      • Equipment management & maintenance—cleaning, monitoring, reporting issues, completing any required paperwork related to equipment like wheelchairs, CPAP/BiPAP, oxygen or respiratory devices

      • Braces, splints, pressure stockings—putting on/taking off, and applying as needed

      • Transportation to medical providers or pharmacy—either driving the member or going alone to transport them

      • Incidental services—only when they are truly incidental to primary Complex Care Assistant duties (for example, light cleaning after assisting with bathing), and not the main purpose of service delivery)

  • Here’s how to proceed based on your situation:

    If your child or loved one is already enrolled in CCM, the next step is simple:

    • Contact us using the form linked here

      A member of our team will contact you shortly to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have!

    If your child or loved one is not eligible for CCM:

    If you’re uncertain about your child’s or loved one’s eligibility for CCM, please contact CCM.

    • All CCM members may also be eligible to receive HHA services.

    You’ll find the contact details in the Resources tab below.

    • Meet Basic Requirements

      • Be at least 18 years old

      • Be legally allowed to work in the U.S.

      • Be in good standing (not on any exclusion list)

    • Complete Required Training

      • Finish the necessary training or competency evaluation for your role

      • Only perform tasks you've been trained for

      • Complete mandatory In-Service training annually

    • Follow Supervision Guidelines

      • Expect in-person supervision check-ins every 2 months by a registered nurse

      • Expect annual enhanced skills competency re-evaluation by a registered nurse. Be open to feedback and additional training if needed.

    • Keep Accurate Records

      • Document your visits and tasks clearly with weekly timesheets

      • Report any changes in the member's condition

        This includes hospital admissions and insurance changes

    • Adhere to Agency Policies

      • Follow all agency rules and procedures

      • Respect member rights and maintain confidentiality