65. Do EAEDC recipients get health coverage?

Yes.  EAEDC recipients automatically receive one of three kinds of MassHealth benefits depending on age, citizenship or immigration status and disability: MassHealth Standard, CarePlus or Family Assistance. 106 C.M.R. § 705.100(G), 130 C.M.R. §§ 505.002(K), 519.002(D) (Standard), 505.008(B) (CarePlus) or 505.005(G), 519.013(C) (Family Assistance). All three types of MassHealth cover inpatient hospital services; outpatient services in hospitals, community health centers, dental clinics, and family planning agencies; certain home health services; lab testing; x-rays; prescription drugs; medical equipment; mental health and substance abuse services; and eyeglasses and hearing aids.

When you are found eligible for EAEDC, you will automatically qualify for MassHealth. You will receive a MassHealth card and your coverage will begin right away.

Most people will also be required to join a managed care plan, and depending on your choice, you may also receive a card from a Managed Care Organization. If you don’t select a plan on your own, MassHealth will assign you a plan.

If your EAEDC cash benefits end, MassHealth will ask you to return a form to enable it to decide if you still qualify for MassHealth independently from EAEDC. For questions about your MassHealth coverage call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 1-800-841-2900.
 

Advocacy Reminders:

• Even if you do not qualify for EAEDC, you may be eligible for other health coverage. Consult an advocate.
• If you have paid out-of-pocket for medical services incurred after applying for SSI or EAEDC, you may be entitled to reimbursement of some of the medical expenses. 106 C.M.R. § 705.160.
• If you do not have any health coverage, DTA will issue you a temporary MassHealth card if you need one to get medications filled or you have a doctor’s appointment. Once your EAEDC case is approved, you get the MassHealth coverage that goes with your EAEDC.