In response to the COVID-19, MassHealth put protections in place that prevented members’ MassHealth coverage ending, and qualifying Massachusetts households began to receive extra SNAP at the beginning of each month to buy food. Due to recent action by the federal government, these protections and extra benefits will be ending soon. Please see below for what you can do now to prepare for these changes and visit the MassHealth and SNAP websites for more detailed information.
From MassHealth:
MassHealth has maintained members’ coverage and benefits due to continuous coverage requirements that started during the COVID-19 emergency. We will soon return to our normal renewal process. All MassHealth members will need to renew their health coverage. If MassHealth has enough information to confirm your eligibility, your coverage will be renewed automatically. If we are not able to confirm your eligibility automatically, we will send a renewal form in a blue envelope to the mailing address we have on file. What you need to do now:
1. Update your contact information. Make sure MassHealth has your most up to date address, phone number, and email so you do not miss important information and notices from MassHealth.
2. Report any household changes. These include a new job, address, changes to your income, disability status, or pregnancy. MassHealth wants to make sure we have the latest information for you and all members of your household, so you get the best benefit you qualify for.
3. Create an MA Login Account. An MA Login Account is the fastest way to renew your MassHealth and Health Connector coverage, update your information, and report changes to your household. Current members under the age of 65 can create an account by following the link provided on the back of your MassHealth notices or by visiting mass.gov/masshealthlogin.
4. Read all mail from MassHealth. MassHealth will mail you information about your health benefit that may require you to take action to keep your current coverage. Look out for a blue envelope in the mail and make note of the important deadlines
Learn more and report your changes by visiting the MassHealth Eligibility Redetermination website.
SNAP Benefits from the Department of Transitional Assistance:
The last extra COVID SNAP payment will be on March 2, 2023. This means that starting in April, your household will get only one SNAP payment. That amount is your normal monthly benefit. You can get your normal amount on DTA Connect or listen to the information about your case by calling 877-382-2363.
Visit https://Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNA... to learn how you can get the most SNAP and save some of it to help after March 2. Your SNAP may go up if you tell DTA about these costs:
Medical costs over $35 a month for anyone in your SNAP household who is 60 or older or has a disability,
Increase to your housing costs (rent/mortgage), and
Child or disabled adult care costs (if anyone in your SNAP household is working, looking for work, or in school).
We don’t need proof from you about these costs – just tell us the information. If we need any proof, we will tell you. Also, tell DTA if your income has gone down. Visit https://Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to learn how you can get the most SNAP and save some of it to help after March 2. Learn more about contacting DTA at Mass.gov/ContactDTA.
