Personal Care Attendant Program in MA

Personal Care Attendants are at the heart of the Independent Living Movement. By performing and helping with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) that not everyone can do on their own, PCA's give people with disabilities the freedom to work, to play, to live in the community and home of their choice, and to be independent. Without PCA's, many more people would be restricted to institutions and nursing homes.

PCA CHANGES SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Unfortunately, Governor Baker and MassHealth have reacted to a Department of Labor ruling by eliminating overtime for PCAs beginning September 1. As of August 8, PCAs and consumers have not yet been informed. While on the surface, eliminating overtime sounds reasonable, instead this decision will play havoc with the ability of consumers to employ the people they need, when they need them.

No overtime means that a PCA may not work more than 40 hours for one individual, or for multiple individuals. (See exemptions below)
PCAs are not highly paid, and some rely on overtime just to make ends meet.
The relationship between a consumer and a PCA is often very intimate and typically takes awhile to get right. In spite of PCAs' work being considered a low-skilled job, it is not easy for a consumer to find the right PCA. The intimate relationship creates a complexity that takes time to build. PCAs are not legos, easily replaced by another.
At this time, in MA, it is difficult to find PCAs. The work is not for everyone, and with a good economy, home care workers are in high demand.
We predict that many many consumers will either be unable to find replacements in time. For some, this will lead to illness and/or institutionalization.

Who is affected?

PCAs who work more than 40 hours per week
Consumers who employ one PCA for more than 40 hours per week
Consumers who employ a PCA who works more than 40 hours per week for multiple consumers

Exemptions
Consumers must apply for exemptions, with the assumption that the exemption is not permanent.

If a PCA lives with a consumer, the PCA may get approval to work up to 60 hours per week. This approval is for one year.
Continuity of Care - Consumers may apply for mitigating circumstances and maintain their current PCA situation for 8 weeks. At that time, they may reapply for 12 more weeks.

What can be done?

If you or someone you know is harmed by these new limits, please call Governor Baker and tell him your story, and how this ruling is affecting you. 617.725.4005 or visit ma.gov

for contact information. */ "PCA

PCAForever.org provides information on both the human aspects and the administrative/fiscal details of the Massachusetts Personal Care Attendant program. We encourage PCA users, PCAs, advocates and provider agencies to submit their stories in any media format about the crucial role of the PCA program so that we can better communicate the importance of these services. This consumer-directed service ensures and enhances the independence and dignity of over 20,000 people with disabilities of all ages across the state.

A PCA consumer speaks up at the Jan. 2011 PCA Rally to a staff person for Speaker of the House, DeLeo.

Personal Care Attendant Program in MA

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