MassHealth 1115 Amendments Approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
On April 19, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Massachusetts’s request to amend the MassHealth Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Plan Section 1115 Demonstration. This approval recognizes shelter as a health-related social need and allows MassHealth to spend federal money on shelter and other assistance for MassHealth families experiencing homelessness in the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter program. This policy change will bring significant federal money into the EA shelter system which can be used for shelter costs and supportive health-related services for MassHealth members.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Unveils Newly Designed MassLegalHelp Website
BOSTON, April 16, 2024 – Today, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) proudly announced the official relaunch of MassLegalHelp.org, one of five websites it manages.
MassLegalHelp.org offers free, practical legal information and resources to help members of the public learn about their legal rights in Massachusetts and take actionable steps to solve civil legal problems. The refreshed site features a modern, streamlined look that contains over 800 articles, e-books, and videos reviewed by substantive legal experts. MassLegalHelp.org is committed to enhancing access to justice for vulnerable people struggling with critical legal issues related to unemployment; housing; public benefits; family law; health care; domestic violence; money and debt; immigration; education; and more.
Spring Advocacy Updates
Our advocates know that meaningful change takes time – a win today only leads to change tomorrow if advocacy is ongoing.
Whether it is the restoration of state-funded food benefits for immigrants or the creation of access to counsel in eviction cases, when we take on issues, we are making a long-term commitment.
The successes we’ve had in the past few months are the result of that committed advocacy – and will be the catalyst for more wins down the road. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards justice.