Vitra Health

04/23/2026

In Massachusetts, more than 60% of Black and Hispanic residents report unmet health-related social needs, compared to about 30% of white residents. That gap doesn't close on its own. This Minority Health Month, we're breaking down how community-based care like AFC is helping to change that. Learn more:

Minority Health Month Every April, National Minority Health Month highlights a persistent challenge in our healthcare system: economic disparities disproportionally impact minority groups’ health and access to care. Environmental factors, income, education, and language barriers, also known as soc...

04/23/2026

Spanish:
Estamos muy contentos de poder compartir la historia de José y su cuidadora a través de El Planeta. Nuestro programa brinda apoyo a muchas familias que cuidan a sus seres queridos con amor y cariño.

English:
We are very happy to share José’s story and his caregiver through El Planeta. Our program provides support to many families who care for their loved ones with love and compassion.

04/21/2026

Many caregivers in Massachusetts don't live with the person they care for, but they show up every day anyway. What most of them don't know is that they may qualify for financial compensation through MassHealth.

In Episode 3 of the Vitra Plus Podcast, Krystal Troncoso breaks down the Group Adult Foster Care program, also known as GAFC.
In this episode, we discuss:

• What GAFC is and how it's different from other in-home care programs
•Who qualifies, both the caregiver and the person receiving support
• How the program is covered through MassHealth and what plans apply

New episodes drop on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Want to see if you qualify? Call 781-917-6960.
Listen here: https://vitrahealth.com/blog/vitra-plus-podcast-episode-3/

Muchos cuidadores en Massachusetts no viven con la persona a quien cuidan, pero están presentes todos los días de igual manera. Lo que la mayoría no sabe es que podrían calificar para recibir apoyo económico a través de MassHealth.

En el Episodio 3 del podcast Vitra Plus, Krystal Troncoso explica el programa Group Adult Foster Care, también conocido como GAFC.
En este episodio hablamos de:

• Qué es GAFC y en qué se diferencia de otros programas de cuidado en el hogar
• Quién califica: tanto el cuidador como la persona que recibe el apoyo
• Cómo este programa está cubierto por MassHealth y qué planes aplican

Nuevos episodios salen el primer y tercer martes de cada mes. ¿Quieres ver si calificas? Llama al 781-917-6960.
Escúchalo aquí: https://vitrahealth.com/blog/vitra-plus-podcast-episode-3/

English Español VITRA Plus, Episode 3: What Is the Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) Program? In our third episode of Vitra Plus Podcast , Krystal Troncoso covers a MassHealth benefit that’s often overlooked by caregivers, specifically because it’s built for a situation many families don’t reali...

04/20/2026

In honor of Marathon Monday, we remember the legacy of Dick and Rick Hoyt 💙

This father-son duo ran more than 30 Boston Marathons together. Rick, who had cerebral palsy, was pushed in his wheelchair by his father Dick, his primary caregiver. Together, they showed what’s possible through love, dedication, and partnership. Rick once said, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.”

Today, we celebrate all those running and all those supporting them, every step of the way. To caregivers, to those receiving care, and to the families behind them, we’re cheering you on.

Best of luck to everyone racing today. 🏃‍♂️

The legacy of Dick and Rick Hoyt lives on at the Boston Marathon. The father-son duo completed hundreds of races, with Dick pushing Rick in a wheelchair and ...

04/17/2026

Qué orgullo poder compartir la historia de nuestro cliente José con El Planeta y con la comunidad hispana. Es un honor apoyar a las familias que cuidan a sus seres queridos en casa. Por nuestros clientes como José, por cuidadoras como Suyapa y por el trabajo tan bondadoso que hacen cada día, seguiremos defendiendo estos programas en el estado de Massachusetts.

English 🇺🇸
We’re proud to share our client José’s story with El Planeta and the Hispanic community. It’s an honor to support families who care for their loved ones at home. For clients like José, and caregivers like Suyapa and the compassionate work they do, we will keep advocating for these programs across Massachusetts.

This article is in Spanish. To read it in English, you can use your browser’s “Translate” feature.

José tiene 104 años y vive en Massachusetts bajo el cuidado de su hija Suyapa a través del programa Adult Foster Care de MassHealth. Posibles recortes al programa amenazan ese arreglo — y el de miles de familias latinas en el estado.

04/10/2026

💡 Did you know?

In Massachusetts, you may be able to get paid for helping care for a loved one with things like errands or doctor visits through Group Adult Foster Care.

Many caregivers don’t know this benefit exists. That’s why our team works in the community to share information and help families get the support they deserve.

Recently, Paula visited the Lynn Senior Center The City of Lynn]) to talk with caregivers about this program and answer questions.

Want to learn more or have us visit your community? Send us a message.

04/09/2026

Vitra Health was proud to join the 20th International Women in Solidarity Network Conference, hosted by the Dominican Development Center in Roxbury. Our community liaison, Ivelisse, connected with over 300 attendees and shared how our programs support families across Massachusetts.

At a time when healthcare costs are rising and budgets are tightening, it’s more important than ever to support minority communities—especially women, whose health needs are often underserved and overlooked.

https://vitrahealth.com/blog/international-women-in-solidarity-conference/



🗣️Español:

Vitra Health tuvo el orgullo de participar en la 20ª Conferencia de la Red Internacional de Mujeres en Solidaridad, organizada por el Dominican Development Center en Roxbury. Nuestra enlace comunitaria, Ivelisse, habló con más de 300 personas y compartió cómo nuestros programas apoyan a familias en todo Massachusetts.

En un momento en que los costos de salud están subiendo y hay menos recursos, es más importante que nunca apoyar a las comunidades minoritarias, especialmente a las mujeres, cuyas necesidades de salud muchas veces no reciben suficiente atención.

04/08/2026

For Minority Health Month, we’re sharing a helpful tool from Caregiver Action Network 💙

This guide helps you protect your loved ones from sickness. It has tips and questions for doctors.

You can change the language at the bottom left of the page.

See it here: https://www.caregiveraction.org/immunity/

🗣️Español:

Para el Mes de la Salud de las Minorías, compartimos una herramienta útil de Caregiver Action Network (CAN) 💙

Esta guía te ayuda a cuidar a tus seres queridos. Tiene consejos y preguntas para el doctor.

Puedes cambiar el idioma en la esquina abajo a la izquierda.

Mírala aquí: https://www.caregiveraction.org/immunity/

04/07/2026

Many families in Massachusetts are already caring for a loved one at home and have no idea they may qualify for financial compensation through MassHealth.
In Episode 2 of the Vitra Plus Podcast, Krystal Troncoso walks through everything you need to know about the Adult Foster Care program, also known as AFC.
In this episode, we discuss:
• What the AFC program is and how it works
• Who qualifies, both the caregiver and the person receiving care
• Why this benefit is considered tax-free and what that means for your family
If you're caring for a parent, grandparent, friend, or anyone at home who needs daily support, this episode is worth a listen.
New episodes drop on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
Want to see if you qualify? Call 781-917-6960.
Learn more at: https://vitrahealth.com/blog/vitra-plus-podcast-episode-2/

Muchos cuidadores en Massachusetts ya están cuidando a un ser querido en casa y no saben que podrían calificar para recibir apoyo económico a través de MassHealth.
En el Episodio 2 del podcast Vitra Plus, Krystal Troncoso explica todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el programa Adult Foster Care, también conocido como AFC.
En este episodio hablamos de:
• Qué es el programa AFC y cómo funciona
• Quién califica: tanto el cuidador como la persona que recibe el cuidado
• Por qué este beneficio es libre de impuestos y qué significa para tu familia
Si cuidas en casa a tu mamá, papá, abuelo(a), un amigo o a cualquier persona que necesita ayuda diaria, vale la pena escucharlo.
Nuevos episodios salen el primer y tercer martes de cada mes.
¿Quieres ver si calificas? Llama al 781-917-6960.
Aprende más en: https://vitrahealth.com/blog/vitra-plus-podcast-episode-2/

04/02/2026

The impact of Adult Foster Care goes beyond cost savings.

Adult Foster Care (AFC) supports families, keeps loved ones at home, and costs nearly 50% less than nursing home care, according to a 2022 Blue Cross Blue Shield analysis.

Vitra Health CEO, Dr. Lorena Silva, calls for continued collaboration to ensure access to care across Massachusetts.

Read her letter to the editor:

"Program integrity is about making sure residents who are struggling get the help they need," writes one reader. "Reducing investment in adult foster care will not solve cost pressures."

03/27/2026

Bingo with Edgewater residents is always a favorite and a great way for our team, including liaison Kristine, to stay connected and engaged.

One of our wonderful clients even won the Vitra Health Bustelo basket 🎊 She loves our services and proudly shares her experience with others.

Our dedication to the families we serve goes beyond the programs we offer. We lead with compassion, build real relationships, and show up every day.

03/17/2026

Caring for a loved one at home isn’t easy. And many families in Massachusetts don’t realize they may qualify for financial support through MassHealth.

That’s why we’re proud to launch the Vitra Plus Podcast. A new way to help families find information that makes caregiving easier to navigate.

In our first episode, we discuss:
• What it means to be a caregiver under MassHealth
• When financial compensation may be available
• How families can begin the process

If you’re caring for a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child with a disability, this episode is for you.

New episodes drop on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Want to see if you qualify? Call 781-917-6960
Learn more at https://vitrahealth.com/blog/vitra-plus-podcast-episode-1/