What's new at MLS

We are writing to alert you to two important briefings this week involving the federal “public charge” rule, as well as urge your support in getting more MA Members of Congress to co-sponsor the LIFT the Bar Act.  Public charge briefings Feb 2nd and Feb…

We hope you and your loved ones braved Saturday's epic winter storm - over 2 feet of snow in some parts of MA, extremely high wind gusts and extensive power outages  - especially on the South Shore, Cape and Islands. See Boston Globe story from noon Sunday. The Mass Emergency…

The Governor released his budget proposal for state fiscal year 2023 & MLRI has produced its preliminary analysis here:  https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/governors-fy-2023-budget-proposal-mlris-preliminary-analysis-selected-issues   MassHealth advocates will be…

Hello all, a few quick things- details below:   1. Reminder to Sign onto MLRI's letter to CMS supporting reinstatement of 3 month retro by Feb. 3 2. Register now for the Health Care Access Training: February 15, 2022 3. Share a sign-on…

We have a bunch of follow up items from yesterday’s SNAP Coalition meeting. Over 118 attendees! Huge thanks to both FRAC and DTA for attending and giving excellent presentations. We will follow up separately with federal updates. Here's some key items discussed yesterday. Feb 8th…

Please support reinstating three months retroactive coverage for all MassHealth beneficiaries by signing on to our comments to CMS by Feb 3, 2022 The Medicaid statute requires state Medicaid programs, like MassHealth, to pay for health care that Medicaid-eligible people received up to three…

A number of updates below. We know this email is long, but it is all important! Please let us know if you have any issues or questions - otherwise we look forward to “seeing” you on Tuesday! SNAP Coalition meeting on Tuesday, 1/25!   Our next Coalition meeting will be…

Hello all,    A few brief updates:    Health Care Working Group Meeting- Agenda:   Our next Health Care Working Group meeting is this Thursday (20th) at 3pm. You should have received a calendar invite with this zoom link for the…

1. Secretary Becerra extended the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency for another 90 days from Jan 16, 2022. This is the 8th 90 day extension since the PHE was first declared in Jan 2020.    For Medicaid beneficiaries, this means that the continuous coverage protection…

Before the long weekend, we are excited to share some important updates and resource from USDA and USCIS that may be helpful in your SNAP and cash advocacy for the immigrant communities you serve. USDA and USCIS issue joint letter to state on SNAP and public charge  On Wednesday, January…