What's new at MLS

  We are forwarding the notice from CMS of a comment period on the 1115 amendment requests that MassHealth submitted on Oct 16, 2023. Comments to CMS are due Nov 29, 2023.  In September, MassHealth accepted comments on its proposed requests for 1115 amendments and its October request…

  On its way out the door, the Trump Administration issued an interim final rule restricting important Medicaid protections enacted by Congress to keep people from losing benefits during the pandemic. Many of your orgs may have filed comments as MLRI did opposing the rule. We have not seen…

We are writing with important updates on “public charge,” a training tomorrow and efforts to repeal the SNAP 3-month time limit/work rules. Public Charge updates, client materials and Virtual Q&A tomorrow   Our national partners, Protecting Immigrant Families, have just…

  Today, March 31 at 2 pm Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Webinar on Improving Access to COVID Vaccines for Immigrants On Wednesday, March 31 (2-3 ET), PIF is hosting a webinar titled, Improving Access to COVID Vaccines: Public Policy and Outreach Strategies. Join PIF and…

CMS (the Federal Medicaid Agency) has approved MassHealth's request to stop doing Provisional Income Eligibility for adults.  The 2-page approval letter is attached, the related changes to the waiver documents are posted…

Replacement SNAP benefits In light of last night's storms, we want to remind the SNAP Coalition about SNAP replacement benefits. If a SNAP household loses food purchased with SNAP due to a power outage (of 4 hours or more) they can request replacement SNAP. About…

MassHealth is seeking nominees to serve on a working group to address how newly formed ACOs can best address social determinants of health through social services integration and by using flexible funds available for this purpose. ACOs are expected to be enrolling members for coverage beginning…

Over the past few weeks we have tried to reach as many of you directly - to share very sad news about the passing of our beloved Lauren Arms Ledwith, former DTA SNAP Director and anti-hunger troubadour. We know many of you were able to attend the wake and/or funeral service, and her family was…

Recent news reports have highlighted a growing fear among immigrants seeking necessary services, such as food assistance, health care, and police protection. Some of these fears are based on immigrants concerned their personal information will be shared with immigration…

On May 12, MassHealth posted notice of its intent to ask CMS for 3 amendments to the 1115 waiver.  It will accept public comments until June 12. The public notice, summary of the proposed amendments, and draft amendment request are posted here:…