Make MassHealth Benefits Permanent for All: How Current Legislation Seeks to Protect Recipients During the COVID-19 Emergency
Introduction
Hundreds of thousands of low-income Massachusetts residents are struggling to maintain MassHealth benefits due to expiring eligibility notices during the COVID-19 health emergency. Without renewed verification, these individuals risk losing the vital resources they need to stay healthy and financially secure. Currently, legislation is underway to safeguard MassHealth recipients and improve access to health care.
Current Federal Allowance
Since the start of the health emergency, federal rules have enabled MassHealth recipients to keep their benefits indefinitely without renewal requirements. But according to MassLive, notices sent by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services in early April stated that benefits must be verified starting in August, setting off alarm bells among health care providers and advocacy groups.
Increased Accessibility
As the deadline looms nearer, some legislators are pushing for an amendment to impede any renewed eligibility requirements. According to Boston Globe, Representative Mindy Domb and state senator Jo Comerford are spearheading a bill that would freeze all processes of MassHealth renewal and improve access for potential recipients.
The bill would expand MassHealth eligibility and extend benefits for the length of the public health emergency with more flexibility to minimize burdensome rules among immigrants and disabled individuals. It would also allow counties to waive the verification process as deemed necessary.
Conclusion
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are spurring legislation to extend much-needed access to health care for low-income residents in Massachusetts. Current proposals target increased qualification requirements and fortify security to preserve current benefits and ensure uninterrupted coverage during these difficult times.