Letter from the CEO

Fall has always been a time of transition and change. I want to make sure you are all aware of some major changes that will take place with MassHealth and Medicaid, beginning in November and continuing into 2027. These changes are a direct result of changes made in Washington DC and the passage of the Presidents’ bill, OB3. This bill included the largest cuts to Medicaid in the programs’ history.

Some of the things included in this bill are:

People on MassHealth will be required to work, volunteer, go to job training at least 80 hours per month or attend an educational program at least part time. If working, you must earn at least $580 per month. This requirement impacts adults 19-64.

 Exemptions to this requirement are:

-          Children under 19

-          Adults over 64

-          People with disabilities

-          People enrolled in Medicare Part A or B

-          People who are pregnant or post-partum

-          Parents of children 13 and younger

-          Caregivers of children 13 and younger or a person with disability.

MassHealth will try to use existing data to see who qualifies for an exemption and who does not.

Beginning in January 2027 MassHealth recipients must complete a renewal application every six months.

MassHealth will try to auto-renew as many members as possible using existing data and information. If they cannot renew, they will mail you a request for information that must be responded to within 30 days.

 What do you need to do?

-          Make sure MassHealth has your updated information.

o   Phone number

o   Mailing address

o   Email address

-          Read all mail from MassHealth.

-          MassHealth will contact you if you are affected by any of these changes.

Please refer to MassHealth’s website for up-to-date information:

https://www.mass.gov/federal-changes-affecting-masshealth-medicaid-members

If you have any questions, please contact Your Access Advocates. We can assist you as you navigate redetermination and direct you to other resources who can help.

As always, we are here to advocate with you for the programs and services you need to remain living independently.

Meg Coffin
CEO

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YAA Advocacy Efforts

Join Us: Turn Connection Into Change

When times are hard, it can be easy to feel like you are facing challenges alone.  Through advocacy is one way to connect with other people who care about making things more accessible.

By joining our advocacy groups, you can meet new people, share your experiences, learn about what is happening in Massachusetts, and take action together.

You do not need to be an expert or know everything about advocacy. Your experiences and ideas are valuable, and there is a place for you in this work.

There are two groups you can join. The Massachusetts Accessible and Affordable Housing Coalition (MAAHC), pronounced “MAC,” works at the state level to improve housing by working with elected officials on housing voucher programs.

The Transportation Advocacy Committee is working locally in Worcester to bring true on-demand paratransit to the community. The goal is a service that eligible riders can call when they need a ride, instead of having to schedule their trip a day in advance.

Whether you care most about housing, transportation, or both, you can help make a more accessible, affordable, and welcoming world.

Come be part of the change!

If you are interested in joining our advocacy committee please email Benji at bkemper@youraccessadvocates.org

Consumer Success Story

Alma is an elderly, disabled veteran who lives with her son, Juan, who is also disabled. Alma and her son became homeless and were temporarily staying in a hotel following a no-fault eviction. Alma had been receiving assistance from Veterans Inc.; however, when that assistance stopped, she was no longer able to afford the hotel. As a result, she fell behind on her payments and received an eviction notice.

ILST Skills Trainer Jose was assigned to the case and immediately began working with Alma to explore available housing options. Alma was open to relocating to any available town in Massachusetts, which increased her chances of securing housing sooner. ILST completed several housing applications on her behalf for all known subsidized and accessible apartments. The focus was primarily on Community-Based Housing (CBH) units, which are typically available for immediate occupancy.

After six months of working closely with Alma and completing multiple housing applications, Alma and her son were granted a fully accessible, two-bedroom CBH unit. They are very happy with their new home and are grateful for the support and advocacy provided by Skills Trainer Jose Vasquez and Your Access Advocates.

This outcome represents a significant improvement in Alma and her son’s housing stability and quality of life.