Live-in personal care attendants in Massachusetts are now exempt from state and federal income taxes, Governor Maura Healey announced. This move is projected to save approximately 18,000 healthcare professionals $5,000 or more annually. The governor's office stated that the exemption applies to PCAs living in the same household as the individual they assist, providing daily care. This includes tasks such as bathing and dressing.
Personal Care Attendants play a crucial role in supporting those with disabilities, and Governor Healey emphasized the importance of ensuring they can afford their basic needs. The goal is to encourage qualified individuals to pursue and remain in PCA careers. The Massachusetts PCA program, funded through MassHealth (the state's Medicaid system), previously sought confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service regarding a federal income tax exemption for wages earned by live-in PCAs for MassHealth-covered services.
Approximately 60,000 individuals are employed as PCAs through the MassHealth program, providing care to over 50,000 MassHealth members with disabilities. The pay rate for PCAs starts around $20 per hour, and the state has faced challenges in meeting the demand for these services in recent years. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah expressed gratitude for the PCAs' contributions, highlighting the positive impact on individuals' independence and community involvement.
Tamara Huntley, a PCA Workforce Council member, shared her experience, stating that PCA services have enabled her to live independently and contribute to her community. She believes that this tax exemption will improve the accessibility and workforce of PCAs, fostering a stronger and more inclusive future in the Commonwealth. Karen Bureau, another council member, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the long-term benefits of PCA services and the positive impact on individuals' lives.
