Changes to Virtual Gateway affecting joint MassHealth/SNAP Apps; Resources for SNAP Web Apps; Next SNAP Coalition Meeting 12/3/13

We are writing to let SNAP Coalition Members know that the MassHealth Virtual Gateway (VG) portal will be converting to the new health care exchange portal or ConnectorCare system in January. This switch-over will end the combined MassHealth and SNAP application process.  MassHealth providers who have used the VG MassHealth application portal will no longer have the option to simply click on the SNAP box that currently generates an electronic SNAP application at the same time with the same client data. On a practical level, this means that MassHealth providers who want to assist low income households with SNAP benefits will have to fill out the VG application separately and enter the client's personal data twice, or fill out a paper SNAP application to ship to DTA, or advise patients to file a VG SNAP application on their own.

 

DTA receives about 4,000 web-based SNAP applications per month, of which roughly 25% are through the provider "common intake" portal (which allows MassHealth and SNAP apps to be filed jointly) and 75% through the public "self service" portal. The public self-service portal is just for SNAP (and school meals) applications. Some community providers take SNAP-only applications, but we know that many health center and hospital financial services staff take "combo" MassHealth and SNAP apps whenever possible. Sadly, this combo application VG process will disappear. 

 

This de-linking of SNAP from Medicaid is also happening in other states that developed combined application portals and are moving toward the Health Care Exchange. We understand from health law advocates that the "long term plan" in Massachusetts is to weave applications for SNAP and other safety-net programs back into a single portal - but with the current rocky start, that could be a long and bumpy road. Additionally, in the most recent notices that EOHHS is sending out to MassHealth recipients advising them of the switch-over, the EOHHS notices do not advise MassHealth recipients about SNAP benefits (just WIC). We have asked EOHHS to improve its MassHealth conversion notices to include SNAP information, but do not have confirmation of that yet. 

 

MLRI has created new webpage on MassLegalServices.org with resources and information for on-line SNAP applications (much of which is geared to recent changes in practices on the Boston Web Unit).  It includes self-attestation forms and follow up documents you can give SNAP applicants around the state to support their online applications. For SNAP apps that go through the Boston Web Unit, the web page includes the current fax number, name and contact info for Boston Web Unit Supervisors and a summary of improvements in the Boston Web application process (which improvements we hope will get replicated throughout the state). Go to:  /content/SNAPwebapps

 

The next Boston SNAP Coalition meeting (and last one for 2013) is Tuesday, December 3rd from 10 to Noon at St Francis House, 39 Bolyston Street, Boston.The Agenda will include an update on the Farm Bill deliberations, assessment of the ARRA cuts that went into effect in November, review of the new EBT photo card policy, and more.  All welcome. The January Boston Coalition meeting is Tuesday, January 28, 2014.