Update on limited benefits for undocumented

As you know, the new computer eligibility system is still broken & MassHealth continues to refine the "work-arounds" to provide benefits in the meantime. Until recently most non-citizens who do not have an eligible immigration status, applied for benefits after Jan. 1, 2014 & were not pregnant, have not been processed for even the limited safety net benefits for which they are eligible --MassHealth Limited (emergency coverage only) & the Health Safety Net (HSN).

Below is an email from MassHealth describing the process for providing Limited & HSN for these applicants back to the date they filed an application. Attached is a sample notice that will be mailed to them.  The notice will be the only evidence of coverage sent to applicants, but coverage will show up for providers who check the Eligibility Verification System (EVS).

Still no word on a work-around for undocumented children to enroll in the Children's Medical Security Program (CMSP). Please let us know about any cases where this creates a hardship for children. Email: vpulos@mlri.org or ncronin@mlri.org

Update on Temporary Limited Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants

MassHealth has implemented a process to provide Limited coverage to individuals who are ineligible for Temporary Coverage (AA) because they have indicated on their ACA applications they do not have a legal immigration status.

Individuals who newly apply for coverage and otherwise qualify for Temporary Coverage (AA) except for their immigration status will be placed in MassHealth Limited until we are able to make a final ACA program determination. If an individual completes a paper application, coverage will begin on the 1^st of the month the application was received. If an individual completes an online application, coverage will begin on the 1^stof the month the application was submitted.

For those individuals who previously applied for coverage, MassHealth has begun running batches daily (as of June 3^rd) to retroactively provide these individuals with MassHealth Limited. Our batches will begin with the earliest submission dates (beginning with 10/1/2013) and move forward. Coverage for these individuals will be retroactive, with the effective date dependent on how the individual submitted an application. If an applicant submitted a paper application, coverage will be retroactive to the 1^stof the month the application was received. If the applicant submitted an online application, coverage will be retroactive to the 1^stof the month the application was submitted. They will continue receiving MassHealth Limited until we are able to make a final ACA program determination.

For reference, €‹[attached is]

a sample notice that will be sent to members found eligible for MassHealth Limited temporary coverage. This notice includes a note on a member's effective coverage date.