Massachusetts · Resources
The numbers you actually need — Massachusetts.
Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.
If you need help right now
State Medicaid agency
The office that determines eligibility and runs the program
MassHealth — Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Statewide MassHealth customer service. Apply online through the MassHealth Member Self-Service Portal or by paper application.
Aging services — your entry point
Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
Coordinates Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging serving every Massachusetts city and town.
Adult Protective Services
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number
Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)
Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan
SHINE — Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (Massachusetts SHIP)
Massachusetts's federally-funded SHIP program. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling through volunteer counselors at ASAPs/AAAs statewide.
State health department
Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities
Massachusetts Department of Public Health — Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality
Licenses nursing facilities, assisted living residences (certification via EOEA), home-health agencies, and hospices.
Finding a lawyer
Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified
Massachusetts Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service
Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation Senior Hotline
Free legal advice for Massachusetts residents 60+ on civil matters.
MetroWest Legal Services / regional MLAC affiliates
Statewide network of legal aid affiliates serving low-income Massachusetts residents.
Massachusetts Bar Foundation — Civil Justice resources
Foundation supporting civil legal aid statewide.
Nonprofits worth knowing
State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state
Alzheimer's Association — Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter
24/7 helpline, caregiver support groups, education programs across Massachusetts.
AARP Massachusetts
Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.
Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA)
Statewide membership association of municipal Councils on Aging in every MA community.
Mass Home Care
Association of the ASAPs (Aging Services Access Points) delivering home- and community-based services.
Other hotlines
Numbers worth saving in your phone
- 1-800-633-4227
Medicare (federal)
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.
- 1-844-422-6277
Massachusetts MassOptions
Statewide ADRC-style portal for elder and disability services information and referral.
- 211
Massachusetts 211
Local community resource referrals 24/7.
Forms & templates
Official Massachusetts document references
Massachusetts Durable Power of Attorney
Massachusetts uses a state-specific Durable POA. Statutory short form available under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 190B (Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code provisions).
Massachusetts Health Care Proxy
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 201D. Names a health-care agent. Massachusetts treats living wills as advisory rather than binding; the Health Care Proxy is the primary instrument.
Massachusetts MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
Portable medical orders for residents in nursing or assisted-living facilities. Issued through MA Department of Public Health.
Key statutes we cite
Massachusetts laws referenced across our topic guides
| Citation | Subject |
|---|---|
| Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 190B (MUPC) | Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code |
| Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 190B §5-501 et seq. | Durable Power of Attorney |
| Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 201D | Health Care Proxy |
| Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 65C | Massachusetts Estate Tax |
| Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 191 §15 | Spousal Elective Share |
| Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 19A | Department of Elder Affairs (APS) |
| Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 175H §16E | MA Paid Family and Medical Leave |
| 651 CMR 12 | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) Certification |
More from Massachusetts
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