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MGH Community News |
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MGH Community News |
| June 2021 | Volume 25 • Issue 6 |
Highlights
Sections Social Service staff may direct resource questions to the Community Resource Center, Hannah Perry, 617-726-8182. Questions, comments about the newsletter? Contact Ellen Forman, 617-726-5807. |
The RIDE Flex Replaces On-Demand Pilot- Users Must Reapply
Current On-Demand Paratransit Pilot participants need to re-enroll in the new program. We encourage current users to re-apply before June 30th to avoid a lapse in on-demand service. Note to those currently enrolled with the On-Demand Paratransit Pilot who use Curb: Curb will not be included in the first phase of this roll-out. Additional providers may be added in future. Features of the Flex program include:
*While the RIDE Flex does not offer traditional ADA paratransit-level service, customers may ask drivers for assistance getting into and out of the vehicle. There is no guarantee that drivers will be able to provide this service. Monthly Trip Allocations |
The RIDE Flex Prices For example:
For TRAC-scheduled trips with Flex providers, the client will be charged the regular RIDE fare and pay with their RIDE account. Clients cannot use RIDE account funds to pay for on-demand trips. Instead, the client must create an account with their selected provider. Both Uber and Lyft accept debit cards, credit cards, pre-paid cards, PayPal, and their own gift cards. Driver tips are not covered by the subsidy. Eligibility Application The Application process takes about five minutes for customers to complete and a few days for the RIDE to process. This process can be completed before July 1st. Reminder that current On-Demand Paratransit Pilot participants need to re-enroll in the new program. We encourage current users to re-apply before June 30th to avoid a lapse in on-demand service. For more information, email the RIDE pilot program at ridepilots@mbta.com or see the RIDE Flex website: https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride/on-demand-pilot. -Thanks to Bianca Viazzoli for contributing this article.
Eviction Moratorium Ending, Limited State Eviction Protection Extended and Resources This is a more detailed explanation of the topic reviewed in Social Service Staff Meeting this month and a subsequent departmental email. The Biden administration has extended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)nationwide ban on evictions for a month to help millions of tenants unable to make rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic, but said this is the last time it plans to do so. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, extended the evictions moratorium from June 30 until July 31. The CDC said “this is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium.” Some advocates welcomed the moratorium extension but said the Biden administration needs to think about more long-term solutions, including expanding the federal government’s housing voucher program for low-income tenants. Even before the pandemic, there were 24 million people who would have benefited from the program but couldn’t get help — many of those people of color. “For now. extending the eviction moratorium will protect the millions of people behind on rent, but many of these renters faced a similar deadline only months ago and they will face this deadline again next month,” Alicia Mazzara, a senior research analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told reporters. “They need a long-term solution, not another Band-Aid. Policy makers should seize this moment to enact a more enduring solution.” State to Protect Those with Pending Applications Governor Charlie Baker earlier this month signed legislation that will allow restaurants to sell to-go cocktails until next May, extend certain protections around evictions, and keep in place a series of pandemic-era rules that had expired, or were slated to, with the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency. Homelessness Prevention and Eviction Protection While these provisions buy more time for renters, it is important for renters to seek assistance sooner than later. There are significant homelessness prevention funds available for those eligible. Tenants may contact their local RAFT/ERAP administering agency to apply. If in Greater Boston, advocate-assisted applications may expedite the process see the Metro Housing Boston: service partner webpage (Metro Housing Boston- Communities Served). In other areas- to find your regional agency, call 1-800-224-5124, or see:
Eviction Legal Help Massachusetts COVID Eviction Legal Help program (CELHP) gives free legal help to low-income tenants and to low-income owner-occupants of 2 or 3-family homes for COVID related housing crises. Mediation The Housing Mediation Program (HMP) has a high rate of success with tenants and landlords. Mediation can be a vital tool to help tenants and landlords find a common solution. More information and find a local agency: https://www.resolutionma.org/housing - See the full AP story and the full Boston Globe article.
Baker Signs COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Law This is a more detailed explanation of the topic reviewed in Social Service Staff Meeting this month. A new law signed by Governor Baker creates a new $75 million emergency COVID-19 sick leave program offering workers up to one week of paid leave, capped at $850, to quarantine, recover from the virus, get vaccinated or care for a sick family member. Reasons for Leave Massachusetts employers are required to provide emergency paid sick leave to employees who are unable to work for the following COVID-19-related reasons:
Note that, in general, employers may not require employees to use other types of available paid leave before they use COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave. Similarly, employers may not require employees to search for or find a replacement worker to cover the time the employee will miss while using COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave. Leave Amounts
Municipal Workers Baker had tried to amend the sick leave program when the bill first reached his desk by excluding municipal employees, who he said were often covered by generous leave policies, and by converting the program into a $40 per employee tax credit that the governor said that would have prevented the program from abruptly ending when the $75 million for employer reimbursements runs out. The Legislature rejected Baker's amendments, and his office said the governor signed the bill without attempting to veto any sections. To Apply Employers may require employees to submit COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave requests in writing and may require employees to provide medical and other documentation related to the request. Employers may seek reimbursement from the state. - See the full Eagle Tribune article.
MA PFML Family Leave Available July 1 This is a more detailed and updated version of information presented at Social Service staff meeting. As previously reported, in January 2021 the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) rolled-out leave for one’s own medical needs and for bonding after the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. Starting July 1, 2021 MA employees can request up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Reminder that there are work-related eligibility criteria including a qualifying amount earned and limits on the type of employer/employee relationship to access PFML. Municipal employees are only eligible if their municipality has opted-in to the system and to our knowledge, not have. Independent contractors must opt-in. Learn more: Who’s Covered by PFML and Excluded employment. For the purposes of PFML, a family member is defined as one’s:
Unfortunately, it appears that providing care to other close family such as aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews does not qualify for PFML. The family member does NOT need to live in Massachusetts. Leave to care for a family member can be used for the following activities (these are examples; not a complete list):
Leave may be continuous, reduced hours/days, or intermittent. The maximum total/combined leave in a year is 26 weeks. To Apply
More Information
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Extends Limit on Arrears Payments to 18 Months
Effective Friday, June 4, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) benefit limit has increased to 18 months of assistance with either arrears or prospective rent, for costs accrued after March 13, 2020. This change is being made in accordance with guidance from the United States Treasury on new funding for the program.
There are still unanswered questions about when DHCD will be implementing the new federal requirement to pay tenants directly when a landlord is non-responsive or refuses to participate in ERAP. - From: ERAP Benefit Limit Increased to 18 Months, Ryan Ambrose, on behalf of Jennifer Maddox, DHCD, June 7, 2021.
SNAP Emergency Allotments to Continue Federal law requires both a state and federal public health emergency declaration to be in place in order to continue issuing SNAP Emergency Allotments (EAs). These payments bring everyone receiving SNAP to the maximum benefit for their household size, and allow the lowest-income members, who were already receiving the maximum, to receive at least a $95 supplemental payment each month. With the end of the state’s public health declaration, the continuation of these supplemental benefits was in question. USDA has accepted Governor Baker’s modified public health emergency declaration (effective June 15) as sufficient to continue the EAs. The modified public health emergency declaration is in place until the Governor rescinds it. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has indicated that the Biden Administration will likely continue the federal public health declaration through the end of 2021, and will tell states 60 days before ending the federal declaration. The EAs are separate from the 15% boost in benefits – that 15% boost is in place through September 2021, unless Congress acts to extend it. Advise SNAP Members to Claim Income Deductions It is critical that all SNAP households maximize all income deductions (shelter costs, childcare, medical expenses, child support paid out) so that a) SNAP households get all the SNAP they are eligible for with the EAs and b) so that SNAP benefits are maximized as much as possible when the EAs end. For an overview and more information on the deductions, see MLRI’s brief slides here. - From Guv’s declaration on SNAP Boost, 2 Org sign on letters, SNAP Outreach Funds and MORE! Victoria Negus, MLRI, June 16, 2021.
New IRS Tool Makes it Easier to Access Stimulus Checks for Child Tax Credit, Single People and those Experiencing Homelessness On June 14, 2021, the IRS launched a new Non-filer Sign-up tool on its website. Although this non-filer portal is labeled as for non-filers claiming advance payments of the child tax credit, it is also available for others, including single individuals and people experiencing homelessness. It will allow individuals to provide their information to the IRS so that they can receive any of the three Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), also known as “stimulus payments,” that they may be missing. If an individual did not get the full amounts of the EIPs, they may use this tool if they:
When using the new non-filer portal, individuals will need to provide:
The new Non-filer Sign-up tool is for people who did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2020, and who did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to register for Economic Impact Payments. More on Stimulus Payments and Tax Credits and Tips for People Experiencing Homelessness 3rd Economic Impact Payment The IRS is currently issuing a 3rd EIP to every eligible American. EIPs, also known as stimulus payments, are different from most other tax benefits; people can get the payments even if they have little or no income and even if they do not usually file a tax return. This is true as long as they have a Social Security number and are not being supported by someone else who can claim them as a dependent. More people qualify for the 3rd EIP than earlier payments. Here’s what is different:
Getting the payment The IRS will use available information to determine eligibility and issue the 3rd payment to eligible people who:
Outreach Needed People experiencing homelessness and those who are unbanked will need to provide information to the IRS to get this 3rd payment. While these payments continue to be made automatically to most people, the IRS cannot issue a payment to eligible Americans when information about them is not available in the tax agency’s systems. People who did not receive the first two EIP payments can still qualify for those payments when they file their 2020 return by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. There is a special section on IRS.gov that can help: Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you are not required to file a tax return. The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit For people experiencing homelessness who have a job, filing a return often carries a bonus—getting a refund based on various tax benefits, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low- and moderate-income workers and working families. The EITC is for workers who do not earn a high income. Like many other workers, some workers experiencing homelessness earned too little income during 2020 to owe tax but still qualify for the credit. For 2020, the income limit is $56,844. Those who make less than this amount must also meet other eligibility requirements. Because it is a refundable credit, those who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no tax, or even get a tax refund. The EITC can put up to $6,660 into a worker’s pocket. The amount varies depending upon the worker’s income, marital status, and other factors. The IRS recognizes that eligible workers experiencing homelessness often encounter unique challenges not faced by other people. To find out if they’re eligible, people can use the EITC Assistant on IRS.gov. Taxpayers with children may also be eligible for the Child Tax Credit. Some people will be able to get advance payments of the child tax credit later this year. Those who qualify for advance payments just need to file a 2020 tax return. Challenges and Resources for the Homeless Some individuals may not have internet capability, a bank account, or a permanent address and may need assistance claiming their EIP payment.
Homeless shelter counts as a home A worker experiencing homelessness can get EITC. To get the credit, federal law requires that a worker live in the U.S. for more than half of the year and meet other requirements. This means living in a home in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Therefore, individuals experiencing homelessness, including those who reside at one or more homeless shelters, can meet that requirement. Options for people without a bank account for direct deposit Many financial institutions will help a person lacking an account to open a low-cost or no-cost bank account. Individuals who open accounts will then have an account and routing number available when they file and claim a direct deposit of the EIP payment. Please visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) website for details, in both English and Spanish, on opening an account online. Among other things, people can also use the FDIC’s BankFind tool to locate a nearby FDIC-insured bank. In addition, BankOn, American Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America, National Credit Union Administration have all compiled lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. For veterans, see the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) for access to financial services at participating banks. For those with a prepaid debit card, they may be able to have their refund applied to the card. Many reloadable prepaid cards or mobile payment apps have account and routing numbers that can be provided to the IRS. Individuals would need to check with the financial institution to ensure the card can be used and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number. File for free The fastest and easiest way to get the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and EITC or to get the third EIP payment is to file a return electronically using IRS Free File. People can use a smartphone or computer to visit IRS.gov and click the File Your Taxes for Free link. Through the Free File system, anyone who qualifies for the EITC also qualifies to use brand-name software to prepare and electronically file their return for free. The IRS urges anyone experiencing homelessness who has access to a smartphone or computer to take advantage of this service. Refund and payment status People can check the status of their tax refund using Where’s My Refund? at IRS.gov or call 800-829-1954 for automated refund information. They can check the status of their third Economic Impact Payment using Get My Payment on IRS.gov. IRS phone assistors do not have more information than what is available in this online tool. More information and partner materials For more information on pandemic relief, see IRS.gov/coronavirus. Please follow IRS social media accounts for the latest information that the IRS shares. The IRS has additional marketing materials and answers to frequently asked questions at IRS.gov/eippartners, including the following e-posters:
We appreciate your help in sharing this important information. Additional Resources: Also see accompanying story: New Website Helps Massachusetts Residents Access More Federal Funding- FindYourFunds.org - From New IRS Tool Makes it Easier to Access Stimulus Checks, NCLER, June 29, 2021 and Economic Impact Payments, Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and Outreach to the Homeless, Massachusetts Health Care Training Forum, June 2, 2021.
Housing Vouchers Available to Transition Out of Nursing Home The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) is partnering with Independent Living Centers across Massachusetts and the Department of Housing and Community Development to offer housing vouchers specifically for people coming out of skilled nursing facilities. You may be eligible to receive affordable housing through this pilot if you are:
This pilot program will supply 50 rental assistance vouchers from the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to eligible residents of Skilled Nursing Facilities to live in the community. If more than 50 eligible people apply, a lottery will be held to determine who will receive vouchers. Download an Application or the large print version. You can also request the application be mailed to you by calling 617-338-6665. For assistance or further information on this program, please visit this link or contact your local Independent Living Center - From DPC Update, June 29, 2021.
SSA Begins Offering Limited In-Person “Express Interviews” at Local Offices On May 28, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began offering “express interviews” (EXI) at its field offices and Social Security card centers nationwide. According to the Emergency Message released on implementation of the EXI process, “EXIs are brief interviews, lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, which allow eligible individuals to apply for an original or replacement Social Security Number (SSN) card and submit necessary evidence in person.” This new procedure comes after a Senate Committee on Finance hearing in late April about how the pandemic has hampered access to Social Security benefits and services. While this initiative is primarily intended to assist those who need a new or replacement SSN card, EXI appointments are also available for those who need to submit original documents to SSA in establishing their eligibility in a claim for benefits, as well as other purposes. Notably, EXIs are available for people who “are unable or unwilling to mail original evidence documents.” This is particularly important for those who need to show their immigration documents to SSA, as non-citizens are required to have these documents in their possession at all times, under Department of Homeland Security regulations. EXIs will not be the primary option offered to individuals interacting with SSA, and local managers will have the discretion to determine the criteria for offering EXIs in particular offices based on staffing and other office considerations. The scope of EXI appointments will be strictly limited to submitting documents in person, and any additional questions or concerns would have to be raised separately by phone or mail. - From Justice in Aging, June 3, 2021.
Boston Public Libraries Opened on June 14 The Boston Public Library (BPL) recently announced its plans to reopen its spaces to the public. On June 1, the Central Library in Copley Square was scheduled to reopen for limited in-person services, and June 14, those services were to be expanded, and all branch libraries not currently under reconstruction planned to reopen. “We are thrilled to have libraries across the city opening their doors next month,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Equitable access is a foundation for my administration and we are focused on providing services that bring residents joy and improve their quality of life. These are both qualities the library offers our citizens, and I hope in the coming weeks Bostonians will visit their local libraries, explore the spaces we’ve all missed, and take advantage of all the free resources the library provides.” “We are very much looking forward to welcoming patrons back into our buildings, including soon to the newly renovated Roxbury and Adams Street Branches,” said BPL President David Leonard. “Our top priorities in the months ahead are aiding residents in equitable economic recovery and educational advancement, along with providing summer programming for all ages.” - See the reopening press release and the reopening plan.
Free $25 Market Basket Gift Card for Getting Vaccine Anyone getting the COVID vaccine at a Market Basket mobile clinic in Chelsea, Fall River, Lawrence, Lynn, and Revere will now receive a $25 gift card. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment, ID, or insurance is necessary. CIC Health to host outdoor vaccination clinics at select Market Basket locations. We will be offering the Pfizer and J&J vaccines. $25 Gift Cards to Market Basket will also be provided during your first appointment.
- From Bill to Extend Flexibilities, COVID-19 Update -- Patricia Noga, R.N., MHA, June 8, and https://www.cic-health.com/marketbasket
New Website Helps Massachusetts Residents Access More Federal Funding- FindYourFunds.org The Shah Family Foundation, in partnership with Children’s HealthWatch, Greater Boston Legal Services, Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP), and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), early this month launched a new centralized website called FindYourFunds.org to help Massachusetts residents access available federal funding. There are a number of new and expanded federal programs designed to provide direct cash payments to Americans, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks). FindYourFunds.org is a simple, one-stop-shop with information on who is eligible for these programs and how to apply, as well as links to free resources that provide guidance and application assistance. Any eligible Massachusetts resident who has already filed their 2020 taxes will automatically receive these payments without any further action necessary. Residents who did not file taxes but may be eligible for any or all of these programs still have an opportunity to file. In recent years, as many as 21 percent of workers in Massachusetts eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit did not file taxes and therefore did not receive the payment. Similarly, about 220,000 Massachusetts residents were not automatically issued stimulus payments in 2020, despite many being eligible. “Thousands of families across Massachusetts are eligible for significant cash assistance from the federal government, but unfortunately a good amount of that money is being left on the table,” said Jill Shah, President of the Shah Family Foundation. “Whether it’s because they don’t know about these programs, don’t know how to apply, or simply don’t know where to go for trustworthy information, FindYourFunds.org addresses these common barriers and helps ensure every Massachusetts resident gets the money available to them.” - From, Vicky Negus, MLRI, June 2, 2021.
Flex Services Accepting Referrals for Patients Enrolled in MGB MassHealth ACO MassHealth Flexible services is a relatively new program that provides food and housing supports to patients who have chronic medical or behavioral health conditions and food or housing insecurity. Eligibility: Patients who have MGB HealthChoice Accountable Care Organization insurance (MassHealth ACO) and have one of the following conditions:
Also represented here:
How do I find out if my patient is enrolled in the MGB MassHealth ACO? Hover over the patient’s insurance information in Epic. Here’s what you’re looking for.
How do I refer? Anyone can refer. The referral link is now on Redcap: https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=3KX7EP8T8W See the flyer for more information. - Thanks to Kara Huselton and Kristen Risley for the story idea and materials.
Farmers Market Coupons Available for Somerville and Cambridge Elders Somerville Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is distributing a limited supply of free farmers’ market coupons for eligible older adults in July. Coordinated through the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the program provides income eligible older adults with $25 in coupon vouchers to purchase locally grown produce at participating farmers’ markets. Coupons can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. - From Free Farmers Market Coupons returning soon!, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, June 17, 2021.
New Brochures - Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services’ Adult Family Care Program New brochures in 3 languages are available for Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services’ Adult Family Care Program. The new brochure includes a service area map, and also a page that explains their work with younger adults. The program has also created some videos about the program, including this 30 second video featuring one of their caregivers explaining about how the program helped her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZeUM6VELqE. See the brochures: - From Nathan Lamb, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, June 4, 2021.
MA Health Connector’s New “Get an Estimate” Tool A new online tool now estimates Health Connector member subsidies including American Rescue Plan subsidies that people might be eligible for. The tool combines the current Health Connector tools: “See What You May Qualify For” and “Preview Health and Dental Plans and Prices,” and allows consumers to see available health plans with subsidy amounts. This tool does not integrate available provider networks or show point-of-service costs like copays. Consumers using the tool simply enter the following information:
After entering this information, the consumer can view their potential eligibility details and preview plans. Remember, these results displayed are only estimates of the type of coverage and help paying for costs someone may qualify for if they decide to fill out an application. This may include ConnectorCare plans, an Advance Premium Tax Credit, or MassHealth coverage, to help lower health insurance premium costs. Try the new tool at: https://betterhealthconnector.com/get-an-estimate. You can also access it from the Health Connector’s home page or from the blue top menu bar across MAhealthconnector.org. Review the toolkit and help get the word out about the Get an Estimate tool: - From Now Available - New Health Connector Get an Estimate Tool, Massachusetts Health Care Training Forum, June 3, 2021.
MassHealth Updates – Status of COVID-19 Flexibilities The full Massachusetts state of emergency ended June 15, 2021, but the federal public health emergency does not. MassHealth policies tied to the federal public health emergency (PHE) will continue throughout 2021. People enrolled in MassHealth on March 18, 2020 or later are still protected from losing coverage during the federal PHE. Federal law also continues to assure coverage of COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccine administration at no cost to MassHealth members until 15 months after the end of the federal PHE.
Flexibilities Implemented March 18,2020 that will Remain in Effect through the End of the COVID-19 Federal Public Health Emergency One-time Deductible Hardship Waiver Retroactive Eligibility for Individuals Younger than Age 65 Premium Hardship Waiver Flexibilities that are Expiring
Self-attestation for Eligibility Factors
See the full MassHealth Eligibility Operations Memo 21-09. - From Vicky Pulos, MLRI, , June 15, 2021 with additional material from MassHealth Eligibility Operations Memo 21-09
Confusion Generated by MassHealth Notices on Monthly Copayment Caps MassHealth has mailed notices to members about a monthly cap on copayments, that, beginning July 1, 2021, will reduce the amount of copayments people with multiple prescriptions per month will have to pay. However, the wording of the notice has led to widespread confusion with many people thinking their copayments are being raised to the amount of the monthly cap. MassHealth says it is aware of the confusion and working on a communication strategy to address it. A copy of the notice, and an insert included with the notice are posted here: https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/masshealth-monthly-copay-caps Federal law requires an income-based monthly or quarterly cap on Medicaid copayments. MassHealth had been using an annual cap of $250 for all income levels. In phase one of moving to an income-based cap, MassHealth exempted people with income of 50% FPL or less and cash welfare recipients from copays on July 1, 2020. On July 1, 2021 it will be implementing Phase 2 by setting monthly caps that range from $10 per month to $60 per month based on income. For the remainder of 2021 both the annual and monthly caps will be in place, but in 2022 monthly caps will replace annual caps. More people will likely reach the monthly cap than those who reached the annual cap, but those who reached the annual cap may have lower savings with the monthly cap. More information: https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/masshealth-monthly-copay-caps - From June 15, 2021 Health Update & Save the Date for June 23 at 3, Vicky Pulos, MLRI, June 15, 2021.
US Ends Strict Trump-Era Asylum Rules for Violence Victims Attorney General Merrick B. Garland this month reversed a Trump-era immigration ruling that made it all but impossible for people to seek asylum in the United States over credible fears of domestic abuse or gang violence, marking one of the Justice Department’s most significant breaks with the previous administration. Garland vacated a decision made in 2018 by former attorney general Jeff Sessions that had argued that asylum claims had incorrectly expanded to include victims of “private violence,” like domestic violence or gangs. People fleeing persecution on account of their membership in a “particular social group” can seek asylum in the United States, and previous administrations have considered those fleeing domestic abuse and gang violence to fall under that definition. In vacating the Trump administration’s stance, Garland said that the Justice Department should follow the earlier precedent. His decision came in a closely watched case known as A-B for the initials of the woman seeking asylum. The department’s Board of Immigration Appeals found in 2016 that she was part of a particular social group, saying that the government of El Salvador does little to protect people in violent relationships. That assessment qualified the woman for asylum, but Sessions overruled the appeals board. Attorneys general can overturn decisions made by immigration judges because immigration courts are housed under the Justice Department, not the judicial branch. “These decisions involve important questions about the meaning of our nation’s asylum laws, which reflect America’s commitment to providing refuge to some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” the associate attorney general, Vanita Gupta, wrote in a memo to the Justice Department’s Civil Division. Gupta asked the civil division’s immigration arm to review pending cases that could be affected by Garland’s reversal. Garland said Wednesday that immigration judges should no longer follow the Trump-era rules that made it difficult for immigrants who faced domestic or gang violence to win asylum in the United States. The move could make it easier for Central American immigrants to win their cases in immigration court and was celebrated by immigrant advocates. - See the full Boston Globe article.
Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to Affordable Care Act The Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge to the Obama era health care law, preserving insurance coverage for millions of Americans. The justices, by a 7-2 vote, left the entire law intact this month in ruling that Texas, other Republican-led states and two individuals had no right to bring their lawsuit in federal court. The law’s major provisions include protections for people with pre-existing health conditions, a range of no-cost preventive services and the expansion of the Medicaid program that insures lower-income people, including those who work in jobs that don’t pay much or provide health insurance. Also left in place is the law’s now-toothless requirement that people have health insurance or pay a penalty. Congress rendered that provision irrelevant in 2017 when it reduced the penalty to zero. The elimination of the penalty had become the hook that Texas and other Republican-led states, as well as the Trump administration, used to attack the entire law. They argued that without the mandate, a pillar of the law when it was passed in 2010, the rest of the law should fall, too. And with a more conservative Supreme Court that includes three Trump appointees, opponents of “Obamacare” hoped a majority of the justices would finally kill off the law they have been fighting against for more than a decade. But the third major attack on the law at the Supreme Court ended the way the first two did, with a majority of the court rebuffing efforts to gut the law or get rid of it altogether. Trump’s three appointees to the Supreme Court — Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh — split their votes. Kavanaugh and Barrett joined the majority. Gorsuch was in dissent, signing on to an opinion from Justice Samuel Alito. - See the full Boston Globe article.
5-Year Boston Area Housing Study Shows Housing Stability Tied to Health Outcomes A five-year study by the Boston Foundation makes the case that housing instability threatens the health of low-income Boston area residents. The Boston Foundation's Health Starts at Home initiative began in 2016, with funding for four local organizations that work on the two issues in question: housing and health care. (Disclosure: The Boston Foundation financially supports WBUR.) Those groups hired housing counselors to connect struggling families with resources available in the community, and researchers said that allowed previously isolated families to learn about support options. Stefanie Shull, of the participating nonprofit Neighborhood Developers in Chelsea, says respondents were clear that housing stability meant less illness."They would say their child is more healthy — I myself am more healthy — which is highly correlated with actual health," Shull said. The project served 261 families over the course of the project — in several cases providing financial support to pay for housing. 78% of the families involved were Hispanic or Black, and two-thirds spoke Spanish at home. The final evaluation of Health Starts at Home found that the families saw significantly improved health outcomes. Researchers also found decreased stress around housing. For example, at the start of the study, 37% of families worried about eviction or foreclosure — that dropped to 18% one year into the project. The research found children's emergency room visits were nearly cut in half when families were connected with housing counselors, and in some cases with subsidies to pay rent. Researchers say the most striking result involved the mental health of caregivers. At the start of the study, 60% of participants had symptoms of depression — that dropped to 37% a year later. Heather Nelson, of the nonprofit Health Resources in Action, was a lead evaluator for the study. She said by merely participating, families gained a sense of hope. According to the study, participating families were less likely to face a lack of affordable housing, poor or crowded living conditions, of homelessness and displacement. The use of homeless shelters and emergency housing also went down. - See the full WBUR story. |
