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Vitra’s Legislative Advocacy for our Families and Communities

Fighting for Fairness in Massachusetts

Every day, families across Massachusetts step up to care for loved ones at home, and Vitra Health is here to make sure they’re not doing it alone. But right now, some of the most devoted caregivers in Massachusetts are being left out. Under current MassHealth rules, spouses and legal guardians cannot be paid caregivers through the Adult Foster Care (AFC) program. They give everything to keep their loved ones safe at home, but the system gives them nothing in return. That’s not care. That’s neglect. This is why MassHealth paid caregiver legislation matters more than ever.

Learn more about our Adult Foster Care program and how it supports families statewide.

Why This MassHealth Paid Caregiver Legislation Matters

For families, caregiving is rarely a choice. It’s a promise made from love to show up no matter what. Spouses and guardians take on that promise every day, doing vital work that keeps their loved ones safe at home and connected to their community. But without financial support, these families face an added burden. They are often forced to reduce work hours or leave jobs entirely to provide care. The cost isn’t just lost income. It’s stress, burnout, and the constant weight of doing it all alone. Massachusetts needs to recognize every caregiver, no matter their relationship status.

What Needs to Change

Several bills are now moving through the State House that could fix this issue. Each one is a step toward fairness and support for family caregivers. Here’s what they propose:

  • H.1394 and S.886 (Would allow legally responsible family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers through MassHealth’s AFC program)
  • HD.4524 (Directs state officials to take necessary steps, including requesting federal approval, to expand eligibility for paid caregiving to spouses)
  • S.1938 and H.3159 (Create a refundable tax credit of up to $1,500 for caregivers who spend their own money to care for an eligible family member)
  • S.914 (Offers similar tax relief for unpaid caregiving expenses)

These bills recognize what families already know: caregiving is work, and it deserves real support.

What Vitra Health Is Doing

Family caregiver advocacy

Vitra is in this fight and partnering with lawmakers like Rep. Adam Scanlon, who filed HD.4524. We’re mobilizing families, partners, and communities to demand real change. This is about more than policy. It’s about respect for the people holding families together every single day. MassHealth paid caregiver legislation is part of that change, and we won’t stop pushing for it.

How You Can Help

Change happens when people speak out. If you believe that spouses and guardians deserve the same support as other caregivers, here’s how to act:

  • Contact your legislators
    Send a message or make a quick call. Let them know why these bills matter to you.
  • Submit a testimony
    A short personal story shared during public hearings can make a powerful impression.
  • Join advocacy efforts
    Groups like AARP Massachusetts and Dignity Alliance are already involved. Partnering with them can amplify your voice.
  • Spread the word online
    Share our blog, tag your state reps, and help build awareness in your community.

Contact us if you’d like to get involved or learn more about how Vitra supports family caregivers.

This Is About Family

Every family deserves the freedom to care for loved ones without falling through the cracks. These legislative changes won’t just fix a rule, they’ll strengthen the foundation of care in our state.

Whether you’ve helped a parent, a partner, or a child, you understand the power of family care. Let’s make sure our state does too. Stand with us and demand a system that treats all caregivers with fairness and respect.

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