UPDATE FROM STATE REP. KATE HOGAN

COVID-19 Crisis in Massachusetts

State Rep. Kate Hogan, 3rd Middlesex District
Bolton Hudson Maynard Stow
Dear Friends,

I hope that you - and those you care about - are healthy and safe. While many are wondering about “opening back up,” we are still dealing with a large number of COVID-19 cases across the state. On Monday 1,524 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Massachusetts, bringing the total number of cases in the Commonwealth to 56,462. Please continue to adhere to public health guidelines on social distancing, wearing masks in public, and washing hands. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and contact telehealth through www.buoy.com.

We’ll continue our efforts to mitigate and contain the spread of COVID-19, and following is an update with details on our efforts, including information on recent legislation and new funding for emergency relief grants and loans (PPP) for small businesses. I’ve also included a special section with resources for anyone experiencing food insecurity.

We’ll continue to get through this together and our office is here to help. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at  [email protected]  or 617-722-2199.  This email and phone number are the most efficient ways to contact us right now and the best way to ensure a prompt response to your inquiry.  I also post updates daily on Facebook.

Best,
Signature
Kate Hogan
State Representative
Third Middlesex District
(617) 722-2199
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STATE HOUSE UPDATES
As of April 27, there are 56,462 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 2,899 deaths from COVID-19.   More than 22,952 people have been quarantined and 9,472 are currently undergoing monitoring/quarantined. 244,887 Massachusetts residents have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory, hospitals and commercial laboratories. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health  shares updated numbers on its website  each day.

Virtual Notarization Last week, the Legislature passed a bill authorizing notary publics to perform their duties using video conferencing. Documents related to a mortgage or other conveyance of title to real estate, will, nomination of guardian or conservator, caregiver authorization affidavit, trust, durable power of attorney, or health care proxy, can now be authorized by notary publics via electronic video conferencing. The bill awaits the Governor's signature.

PPE Update Massachusetts continues to make every effort to secure supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support front line workers.  If you or your organization would like to easily donate or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be used by Massachusetts health care workers, please go to the online portal. Manufacturers interested in producing needed PPE and materials are encouraged to visit this site for more information.

Health Connector Updates In response to the impacts of the coronavirus, the MA Health Connector has announced some changes:
  • A Special Enrollment Period for anyone who does not currently have health insurance coverage, or has experienced changes in circumstances, to enroll in health insurance
  • Opportunity to update online applications to reflect changes in circumstance, such as job loss, reduced hours, or other reduced income as these changes may result in a lower monthly premium or new eligibility for financial subsidies
  • The Health Connector has paused terminations or reduction of subsidies that would otherwise result from members not responding to requests for information.
  • Ensuring coverage for COVID-19 related care All plans issued through the Health Connector are required to cover services for telemedicine and reduced cost-sharing for testing and treatment related to COVID-19.
  • Important Dates New members must submit their applications by the 23rd of the month for coverage on the first day of the following month
New and existing members are encouraged to update their accounts online https://www.mahealthconnector.org/ or call customer service for assistance 1-877-MA-ENROLL(1-877-623-6765) More information is available at www.mahealthconnector.org/covid-19  

MA Responds needs volunteers of all skill levels and backgrounds from both medical and non-medical professions. If you are a licensed or certified health care provider, a public health professional, a retiree, or are an individual with an interest in helping the community, they invite you to complete the secure, online registration process.