IMPORTANT UPDATE: Starting 1/13/22, MassHealth PCAs and consumers will receive a text message and email confirming that Tempus FI has received their timesheet within two business days after receipt. PCAs and consumers will receive another text and email once Tempus has processed their timesheet, the morning after it is processed. PCAs and consumers should update their phone number and email address to ensure they receive these messages by visiting: https://tempusunlimited.org/pca-form-contact/.
The Tempus call center is experiencing very long call wait times. Please do not call Tempus to confirm that your timesheet was received. You will receive a confirmation text/email within two business days of submitting. If there is an issue with your timesheet, Tempus will contact the Consumer directly. At this time, please do not call Tempus about FI transition paperwork.
Timesheets can be sent to Tempus Unlimited by fax: (800) 359-2884, mail: 600 Technology Center Dr., Stoughton, MA 02072, email: MAFMS@tempusunlimited.org; or e-timesheet: timesheets.tempusunlimited.org.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to use e-timesheet. E-timesheet is faster and easier than fax, and has less potential for errors. E-timesheet users also get immediate confirmation that their timesheets were received. To learn more about signing up for e-timesheet, please visit tempusunlimited.org/fi-transition-e-timesheet-migration.
Tempus Unlimited is now the ONLY Fiscal Intermediary (FI) for the MassHealth PCA program. All timesheets must be submitted to Tempus FI. Please only submit timesheets for hours already worked. Visit tempusunlimited.org/ma-transition for more information.
COVID-19 IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
PCAs – For vaccine related questions contact the LTSS Provider Service Center: Phone: 1-844-368-5184 Email: support@masshealthltss.com
For MassHealth members who receive hands-on support from a PCA but are struggling to access these services during COVID-19, call the MassOptions hotline at 1-844-422-6277.
- PPE Available for PCAs
- Notice of New Hire Orientation
- Notice of New Hire Orientation (Spanish Version)
- PCA Paid Sick Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- PCA Paid Sick Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Spanish Version)
MANAGE YOUR OWN CARE
The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program helps people with chronic illnesses or permanent disabilities who are living in a home environment. Consumers are allowed to hire, train and supervise their own Personal Care Attendant to assist with activities of daily living. If the consumer is unable to manage this responsibility, a surrogate may be named to act in his or her place.
Services are state funded through MassHealth and are intended to allow for maximum independence. There is no cost to the consumer for this service as long as their insurance coverage is active.
Consumer Eligibility:
- Persons eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth coverage or enrolled in a SCO or One Care plan.
- Who have a physician referral for personal care services
- Who have a chronic or permanent disability for which they cannot perform ADLs without physical assistance
- Who need physical assistance with 2 or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) which include: Mobility and transfers, Medications, Bathing and grooming, Dressing and Undressing, Eating, Toileting, Range of Motion Exercises
Personal Care Attendant Services:
The Personal Care Attendant employed by the consumer will be able to assist with bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, transfers, prescribed range of motion exercises and medication management. Additionally, the PCA can assist with household tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, and shopping. Consumers in this program may hire their friends, neighbors, or a family member to be the PCA. Spouses and parents of children under the age of 18 cannot be hired as PCAs. Services cannot be duplicated or provided by other agencies.
Tri-Valley’s Role:
A Skills Trainer will conduct a home visit that will include an initial screening and information about the PCA program. After the consumer’s primary care physician initially approves participation, a nurse and occupational therapist will conduct a needs assessment and develop a plan of care. The plan of care must then be approved by both MassHealth and the primary care physician. Training will then begin to help the consumer develop skills to hire and direct a Personal Care Attendant. The Skills Trainers also train the consumer about the necessary paperwork required by the Fiscal Intermediary for payment to the PCA. This is not an emergency service and may take three or more months to have the PCA service in place.
PCA Area of Service:
Auburn, Bellingham, Blackstone, Brookfield, Charlton, Douglas, Dudley, E. Brookfield, Franklin, Hopedale, Holliston, Hopkinton, Leicester, Marlborough, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Millville, Norfolk, Northborough, Northbridge, N. Brookfield, Oxford, Southborough, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster, W. Brookfield, Westborough, Worcester & Wrentham
For PCA Services:
Start by contacting Tri-Valley’s PCA Department
Hiring a PCA or looking for work as a PCA – go to the Mass PCA Directory – www.masspcadirectory.org. The directory will put those needing PCAs in direct contact with PCAs looking for work.
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and Job Seekers: Check out the NEW how-to training videos! Learn how easy it is to register, setup your profile, search for a PCA job and respond to messages using the Mass PCA Directory! https://www.masspcadirectory.org/Home/TrainingVideos
EOEA is excited to share the new stand-alone website for the free Personal and Home Care Aide State Training (PHCAST) online. The website is available in English, Spanish/Español and Haitian Creole/Kreyòl ayisyen. PHCAST online teaches the roles and responsibilities of a Home Care Aide, including skills like active listening, nutrition planning, housekeeping, working with consumers, recognizing abuse and neglect, handling emergency situations, and more. https://mahomecaretraining.org/
The Mass PCA directory is sponsored by the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Workforce Council and it offers a comprehensive and current list of people in Massachusetts who are ready to provide personal care and consumers who are hiring PCAs. Visit www.masspcadirectory.org to get started!