What's new at MLS

SSA  2% COLA: Thousands of low income seniors and persons with disabilities started receiving a 2% Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) this month. This 2% increase affects both Social Security "Retirement, Survivor's and Disability Insurance" (RSDI) 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:…

DTA and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) have a special "Heat and Eat" Fuel Assistance program, or H-EAT. This program has helped thousands of elderly and disabled households qualify for higher SNAP benefits. We are writing to share some updates with the DTA…

DTA recently updated a number of materials in the DTA Online Guide (policy manual for DTA staff). These updates were sent to DTA staff and case managers on Friday, 3/31, and are important for community partners to know!  For example, it can be helpful to point directly to DTA policy…

MBTA Youth Pass In February the MBTA announced a special discount Youth Pass program for low-income youth who are not enrolled in a traditional high school (These discounts are already offered to high school students.) The Youth Pass program is for individuals under the age of 26 who are in…