What's new at MLS

MLRI Infographic on SNAP and Older Adults: Attached​ is a two page info-graphic with key facts about SNAP, food security and low income older adults in Massachusetts. Big thanks to MLRI's AmeriCorps Wesley Chrabasz for his work on this infographic.  Please let Wes know if you have older…

Tomorrow Jan 23 is the last day of open enrollment for coverage through the Connector. That means the last day to apply for coverage and for those eligible for a ConnectorCare plan or Health Connector Plan, to select a plan and pay any premium due in order to be enrolled by Feb…

The following information is from our health law colleagues:  Tomorrow Jan 23 is the last day of open enrollment for coverage through the Connector. That means the last day to apply for coverage and for those eligible for a ConnectorCare plan or Health Connector Plan, to…

  Federal Poverty Level increase:  The US Department of Health and Human Services has just announced the 2018 increase (2.1%) in the federal poverty level (FPL) in the Federal Register,…

SSA  2% COLA: Thousands of low income seniors and persons with disabilities started receiving a 2% Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) this month. This 2% increase affects both Social Security "Retirement, Survivor's and Disability Insurance" (RSDI) and…

Many of you have asked for SNAP data by city/town or Zip code on the impact of the SNAP caseload reduction in Massachusetts.  While the SNAP caseload has indeed started to turn the corner and increase since May 2015, the MA caseload has still suffered a serious decline.  We are providing you with a…

SNAP Caseload Update - MA continues to improve USDA data shows .6% increase in Massachusetts for July 2015. For the third month in a row, the SNAP household participation has increased. The most recent available data posted in October for July 2015 shows a .6% increase for MA. The…

1. Substance use disorder services  Last year a state law improving substance use disorder services was enacted (c. 258 St. 2014). A provision requiring MassHealth & MassHealth managed care plans to cover detox and up to 14 day crisis stabilization services without prior authorization…

Please see email from Frank Martinez Nocito re second round of FINI grants announced by USDA. If your organization is interested in applying, please contact Frank at DTA directly. And REMINDER -  Statewide Food for Good Conference at UMass Amherst on Friday, October 30th! Central MA…

1. MassHealth Renewals Extension to Oct 16 for people with disabilities. In August MassHealth notified about 35,000 households containing 62,000 individuals with at least one member with a disability that they had to submit a reapplication by Sept 15 to remain eligible for MassHealth. The…