TO: SNAP Coalition Members
FR: Pat Baker and Vicky Negus
As we start Week 8 of the MA pandemic-triggered shutdown (yes, week 8), we hope these resources help you to keep serving your constituencies during these difficult times. A deep bow to all the front line anti-hunger and advocacy staff at food pantries, SNAP outreach locations, legal services advocates and DTA workers, as well as the heroic staff at schools, health care facilities and the many emergency response teams.
May 1, 2020 Health Update
It’s the end of another week of the pandemic with many new polices being put in place to address many new challenges. This is a summary of three sets of new MassHealth policy changes that will make it easier for applicants to qualify for coverage and enhance services for people receiving services in the home and community-based waiver programs during the emergency period:
· New path to MassHealth eligibility for elderly & disabled people subject to a deductible
The first round of the pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefits to Massachusetts households were issued TODAY - for certain households with active DTA benefits (see below). Also, active SNAP households will also get their April emergency SNAP supplement, likely around May 2nd.
We will have lots of updates on our next SNAP Coalition Zoom call on Tuesday May 5th from 10-11:30. (Zoom info to come)
Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, for our weekly SNAP COVID-19 Zoom call. Agenda below. We also have a few updates. Please let Pat or Vicky know if you have additional items for the agenda.
Emergency Grants to community groups working with older adults:
We have an important action alert for you today, from 3-4 PM EST. #SNAP Matters Twitterstorm!
