IRAQI AND AFGHAN SPECIAL IMMIGRANTS NOW CAN GET MASSHEALTH

MassHealth recently issued emergency regulations, effective retroactively to December 26, 2007 that revise the definition of “qualified aliens” to be consistent with federal law. This definition now includes “certain Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants”.

In addition, the list of aliens with special status is expanded to clarify that aliens who have been granted temporary protected status (TPS) and those who have applied for asylum are considered persons permanently living in the United States under color of law (PRUCOL).

-Adapted from: “Revisions to Regulations about Qualified Aliens and Aliens with Special Status”, MassHealth Eligibility Letter 181, August 1, 2008.

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