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MGH Community News |
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MGH Community News |
| January 2022 | Volume 26 • Issue 1 |
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. |
Families Must File Taxes to Get Remaining Half of Child Care Tax Credit (This information is based on this month’s presentation at the MGH Outreach and Resource Navigation group meeting and also presented at Social Service staff meeting.) There has been some press about the end of the Child Tax Credit (CTC)- the monthly payments that families with children received from July through December as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). What has received less attention, and is an important advocacy opportunity, is to educate families that those payments represented half of the tax credit. To claim the other half, they need to file a 2021 tax return. Many low-income families aren’t required to file taxes, so may not be aware of this and other tax credits for which they may be eligible. Those meeting these criteria may qualify:
Parents do NOT need a SSN. Parents who do not have a SSN must file taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)- a special tax ID used by those such as those without immigration documentation to pay taxes. ITINs are tax processing numbers and are NOT immigration enforcement tools. Some who have ITINs are legal immigrants, so having an ITIN does not identify you as not having documentation and the IRS is prohibited by law from sharing taxpayer information with Immigration Enforcement. There is no public charge consequence of receiving the CTC- it will not affect immigration status or one’s ability to get a green card. The CTC is not considered income and is not subject to tax. It also will not be counted in income calculations for public assistance programs such as MassHealth, SNAP, SSI and TAFDC. More Reasons to File There are other reasons to file that may have a big impact on family budgets, including:
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Tax Filing Assistance Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs provide IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax filling assistance to people with low to moderate income (roughly $58,000 or less), persons with disabilities, elders and people with limited English proficiency. Virtual assistance may be available through GetYourRefund.org AARP - For qualifying senior taxpayers, the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aid Program provides free tax preparation services. More at: mass.gov More Information See findyourfunds.org – a collaboration of MA nonprofits dedicated to ensuring that all individuals have access to stimulus payments and tax credits (includes GBLS, MLRI, MASSCAP and more) - Adapted from presentation by Vartika Govil of Neighborhood Developers and Connect at the January MGH Outreach and Resource Navigation group, 1/21/22. Thanks to Kristin Risley for coordinating.
Older and Childless Workers Eligible for Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit The American Rescue Plan (ARP) temporarily expanded the existing small federal earned income tax credit (EITC) for low-wage working adults without children at home by increasing the maximum credit and broadening the eligibility to younger and older workers. This newly eligible population consists of childless adults between the ages of 19-24 and over the age of 65. The expansion goes into effect this year (for those with earnings in tax year 2021) and will benefit 17 million+ adult workers without children who were previously taxed into, or deeper into, poverty. The maximum EITC for this population nearly triples to roughly $1,500, and the income limit to qualify has increased to about $21,000 ($27,000 for couples married filing jointly). Eligible workers must file to get the credit, even if they don’t owe federal income tax. To help spread the word, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has launched a new EITC Outreach Toolkit with messaging and earned media materials, a social media toolkit, call and text scripts and newsletter copy, and a flyer and mailer. The toolkit also provides information about the child tax credit (CTC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. For tax preparation assistance, see previous story. - From From DC: Litigation Victory for Medicare Beneficiaries, EITC Expansion for Older Workers, and more, Justice in Aging, January 28, 2022.
Mass. Seeks to Claw Back Jobless Benefits In the early months of the pandemic, when nearly 700,000 local jobs disappeared in a flash, the Baker administration was caught in a bind: There was a massive backlog of unemployment claims, but laid-off workers needed money fast or a bad economic crisis would only get worse. The Department of Unemployment Assistance rushed to get benefit checks out the door ASAP, even as vetting applicants was made more complicated by the sheer volume of work and confusing eligibility rules for new federal relief programs. While delays persisted, the DUA says it ultimately delivered $33 billion in state and federal jobless payments in 2020 and 2021 to almost 4 million people. But the state’s efforts have been marred by costly mistakes. At least $2.7 billion in benefits went to claimants who, the DUA later determined, received too much money or weren’t eligible for unemployment in the first place. That’s according to a tally of state filings with the US Labor Department by attorney Rory MacAneney of Community Legal Aid, which provides free legal help in Western Massachusetts. The DUA issued what are called overpayments on 719,000 jobless claims from March 2020 through September 2021, according MacAneney’s data. The department says that the number of claims still unresolved stood at 383,000 last month and that individuals may have more than one claim. To be clear, we’re not talking about the gangs of scammers who took Massachusetts — and other states — for billions of dollars by filing fraudulent claims with stolen personal information. That’s an entirely different problem. No, these folks run the gamut from minimum-wage workers to white-collar professionals, and most applied for relief in good faith. They never dreamed the state might come back months later and say, “Sorry, we made a mistake. Pay up.” The DUA routinely makes overpayments. But the sums on the line today — anywhere from several thousand dollars to $80,000 or more — are much larger than in the past, according to lawyers helping workers contest the clawbacks. That’s because it took the department a long time to catch up with its mistakes and because benefit amounts were boosted by pandemic payments from Washington. Many people facing overpayments have already spent the money on necessities like food, rent, and transportation, or made purchases assuming they could afford it, said Hannah Tanabe, a staff attorney in the employment unit of Greater Boston Legal Services. And since a majority of the overpaid benefits were funded by the feds, recoveries effectively drain money from the Massachusetts economy. “We shouldn’t be driving workers who are getting back on their feet into more precarious financial situations when the overpayment resulted through no fault of their own,” she said. Most clawback cases follow a similar pattern, said Representative Joan Meschino, a Democrat from Hull: “I did what I was told. I filed. I received it. I spent it. And now they are trying to get it all back.” In addition to the flood of claims, the department had to quickly set up systems for new federal benefits, whose rules for eligibility caused confusion at the DUA and among benefit-seekers and changed over time. Especially difficult was the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, an emergency program for workers who weren’t eligible for state unemployment. For its part, the DUA “has a robust process in place to work with claimants to resolve apparent and actual overpayments,” according to a spokesperson. And the department plans an outreach campaign, including a new waiver request Web page and a letter to all claimants with an overpayment to promote the option to seek a waiver. Governor Charlie Baker, in an interview Thursday on GBH “Boston Public Radio,” said the state wants to help people work through the process of appealing or waiving overpayment demands. He also disclosed his administration is discussing with members of Congress ways to provide relief from the unexpected debt. “This is not the way this is supposed to work. People participated in this program based on a set of rules that changed,” Baker acknowledged. Some are calling on Congress to waive nonfraudulent unemployment overpayments made during the pandemic. They say people who were out of work spent the money on basic necessities, such as food and rent, and the process to recover the funds has not only been stressful for individuals but also onerous for state governments. During his radio interview Thursday, Baker confirmed the state is in talks with federal officials. Baker has disputed the characterization in Globe stories that the DUA has clawed back money, saying that term only applies when the state unilaterally takes money from an individual’s tax refund. However, claimants and their lawyers describe a process that has been confusing and frightening for many who were told they owe thousands of dollars. Copies of “tax refund intercept” notices the DUA sent claimants last year reviewed by the Globe warn them the state could deduct money from their tax refunds. The DUA confirmed that some claimants received notices, but since March 2020 the state has stopped its normal practice of seizing tax refund funds to address nonfraudulent overpayments. Instead, the DUA has been offering people installment plans or offsetting future benefits should a claimant become unemployed again. On GBH, Baker once again maintained the state isn’t taking an aggressive approach to get money returned. “We’re not going to chase people on this stuff,” he said. - See the full Boston Globe articles:
Social Security retirement recipients will be seeing a large Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), the biggest in some time. While overall this is good news, for those who receive SNAP, in non-pandemic times SNAP benefits tend to decrease in that situation. Under pandemic rules, all SNAP recipients are currently receiving “Emergency Allotments”. Everyone should be receiving for maximum benefit amount for their household size. This comes in two payments, they get their regular SNAP payment based on their income, and then around the 2nd of the following month get an additional payment to bring them up to the maximum for their household size (or higher for some very low income families). So families may see a lower payment at the beginning of the month than they may be used to, but, for now, should see that made up early the following month. These Emergency Allotments are tied to the Federal Emergency Declaration. This has been extended until April 2022. DTA reports they have been told they’ll be given about 60 days’ notice if the government does not intend to further extend the public health emergency. When the Federal Emergency Declaration ends and with it the Emergency Allotments, it will be important for SNAP members to declare any income deductions for which they qualify to maximize their benefits.
- Adapted from information shared at SNAP coalition meeting, 1/25/22.
The Baker-Polito Administration recently announced that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now use their SNAP EBT benefits to buy groceries online from participating BJs stores for pickup and delivery. BJs is the seventh SNAP online retailer in the Commonwealth, joining Stop & Shop, Walmart and Amazon, as well as ALDI, Hannaford, Price Chopper and Stop & Shop via Instacart. “SNAP online purchasing is one of several tools the Administration has utilized, alongside the continuation of SNAP Emergency Allotments, to combat food insecurity for Massachusetts individuals and families,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “BJs participation in this program will help expand safe shopping options for households who utilize SNAP to help buy nutritious and culturally accessible food.” All BJs clubs accept SNAP and now also accept SNAP EBT payments on BJs.com for in-Club curbside pickup, shipment to home and same day delivery. Similar to using SNAP benefits to purchase food in a store, benefits can be used to buy SNAP-eligible foods online, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy and eggs. For more information on the Massachusetts program, visit www.Mass.gov/SNAPOnline. SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for fees, like membership or delivery fees. Economic assistance programs benefits received through DTA, which include Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), and State Supplement Payments (SSP) cannot be used to purchase items online at this time. - See the full press release: https://healthychelsea.org/bjs-joins-massachusetts-snap-online-purchasing-program/ - Thanks to Kelly Flannery, MPH for sharing this resource to the MGH Outreach and Resource Navigation group.
DTA re-started a TAFDC policy, Learnfare, at the end of December. TAFDC is a DTA cash assistance program for very low or no income families with children or pregnant people. Learnfare is a rule where TAFDC families must meet DTA’s school attendance requirements. If a child has too many unexcused absences, the TAFDC household loses that child’s portion of the grant (is sanctioned). Learnfare creates barriers and red tape, and can cause further economic distress for extremely low income families. It is also one of the many racist policies in TAFDC. This re-start is of particular concern based on the chaos schools have been facing since the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Advocates: please contact vnegus@mlri.org if you work with any families on TAFDC who were sent notices from DTA about Learnfare. - From SNAP Coalition 1/25, DTA Local Office Status, FPL Increase and MORE, Victoria Negus, MLRI, January 19, 2022.
Each DTA office has a Client Assistance Coordinator (CAC) who can help with the accommodation process and other disability related needs. Here’s an updated list of CACs (as well as a list of Domestic Violence specialists). Clients can also reach a CAC through following the prompts on the Assistance Line for a Client Assistance Coordinator. - Adapted from SNAP Coalition 1/25, DTA Local Office Status, FPL Increase and MORE, Victoria Negus, MLRI, January 19, 2022.
Due to temporary COVID-related closures, MLRI recommends checking to see if an office is open before suggesting a client go in person. DTA has put a banner up on Mass.gov/DTA with a link to local office information - check on a particular office. Or check DTA’s Twitter. Clients seeking an EBT card can get one at any open DTA office, or request a card by mail (through DTAConnect or by calling 877 382 2363). In some circumstances DTA can overnight mail a card (which takes a couple of days to arrive) and in very extreme situations may be able to hand deliver an EBT card. Call the Ombuds (617-348-5354) / email Sara Craven (sara.craven@state.ma.us) if you work with a client in urgent need of an EBT card who can't get to a local office because the office is closed or because of other barriers. Reminder that currently open offices only provide lobby kiosks with limited staffing; staff can assist with navigating technology, but case managers are not available for walk-ins. - Adapted from SNAP Coalition 1/25, DTA Local Office Status, FPL Increase and MORE, Victoria Negus, MLRI, January 19, 2022 and SNAP Webinar on Shelter Deduction 4 PM Tomorrow; Local DTA Office Open/Closed Status; Upcoming Meetings/Trainings, Pat Baker, MLRI, January 10, 2022.
To check on DTA case information:
To reach a live DTA worker:
DTA needs permission to speak with advocates about a case. One way a household can give you permission to speak with DTA is by sending DTA a handwritten note stating they give you and/or your organization permission to speak with DTA about their case. They can take a photo of the note and send it in via DTAConnect. In our experience this is the fastest way! If this isn’t a good option, you can try a 3 way call or fax or mail in a release. - From Tips on reaching DTA, info on utility rights, public charge sign on and more, Victoria Negus, MLRI, January 11, 2022.
The national Public Health Emergency has been extended through mid-April at least. As our colleagues at CBPP noted, while it’s actually not good news that the nation continues to struggle with the pandemic, this does mean states with state declarations also in place (like Massachusetts) may provide SNAP Emergency Allotments (boosted benefits) through at least April. For overview of the EAs, see MLRI flier for community organizations here. In Massachusetts, households receive this extra SNAP payment on the 2nd business day of the following month. A number of other federal COVID SNAP changes are tied to the federal public health declaration. Now is a critical time to screen households to ensure all are getting the maximum income deductions they are eligible for, including medical expenses (for households with a member age 60+ or disabled), child and adult day care costs, and all shelter costs. Child and adult care, shelter costs, and mileage costs for transportation to/from medical appointments can all be self-declared (verbally or in writing). See related story: Social Security COLA Impact on SNAP - From SNAP Coalition 1/25, DTA Local Office Status, FPL Increase and MORE, Victoria Negus, MLRI, January 19, 2022.
The US Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement has updated resource materials that help clarify which Cuban and Haitian nationals qualify for Refugee Resettlement Benefits (a form of cash assistance for roughly 8 months from entry as a refugee or granting of an eligible status) and includes persons who were granted parole, have a pending asylum case, are in removal proceedings. (Note, these criteria still apply even if the Cuban or Haitian also has another status, like TPS). These categories of immigrant status also apply to Cubans or Haitians seeking TAFDC and/or SNAP benefits Here’s the DHHS constituent-facing "Benefits for Cuban/Haitian Entrants" in multiple language from ORR: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resources on the right-hand side under "Other" and “New.” - From Joint USDA/USCIS Letter on Public Charge, Updated Resource Materials for Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Pat Baker, MLRI, January 14, 2022.
The MBTA is proposing changes to its fare structure to try to simplify how much rides cost and boost ridership. But the proposed changes don’t include a discounted fare for low-income riders that the MBTA has long discussed, transit advocates have long called for, and the MBTA’s previous oversight board supported. Currently, the T offers reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, some middle and high school students, and people with low incomes between the ages of 18 and 25. But advocates have, for years, pressed the transit agency to pilot a reduced fare for low-income people of all ages. An MIT study in 2019 found that MBTA riders who received lower fares took about 30 percent more trips and took more trips to health care and social services. Last year the Legislature passed a proposal as part of its transportation bond bill that would have used a new 20-cent fee on Uber and Lyft rides in central Boston to create a low-income fare program at the MBTA. Governor Charlie Baker vetoed the proposal, while approving the broader borrowing package. Current Reduced Fares - Who Rides for Free?
Who is Eligible for Reduced Fares?
- See the full Boston Globe article. Additional material from the MBTA Reduced Fares website.
Massachusetts student loan borrowers whose private loans were serviced by Navient will get $41 million of those loans forgiven, under a national settlement announced this month by Attorney General Maura Healey. The $41 million will go to 1,523 borrowers who obtained private loans through Navient, providing relief that Healey said could be tens of thousands of dollars for some borrowers. Massachusetts will also get another $6 million in the settlement, including $2.2 million to provide restitution to another 8,300 borrowers with federal student loans. The restitution will amount to around $260 per person. Borrowers who have their loans cancelled or are eligible for restitution will be notified by mail. The agreement is part of a $1.85 billion national settlement between one of the country’s largest student loan servicing companies and 39 states. The state attorneys general alleged that Navient failed to help financially stressed borrowers repay their debt and instead lured them into forbearance programs, which temporarily paused their payments while their interest accumulated, increasing their debt. According to Healey’s office, Navient had the option of steering borrowers toward income-driven plans that would have reduced payments, potentially to zero, while providing interest subsidies and possibly qualifying borrowers for loan forgiveness in 20 to 25 years, or 10 years if the borrower was in public service. Instead, the company recommended forbearance plans, where borrowers did not have to pay for a period, but interest on the loans accrued, driving them deeper into debt. The agency also issued risky subprime private student loans, knowing that students would be unlikely to be able to repay them. Healey, at a press conference, called Navient’s conduct “deceptive” and said its failures “harmed borrowers” from all walks of life. “Student borrowers who are already in financial distress ended up on the hook for millions more on their loans,” she said. “For many borrowers, the results of this settlement will be life-changing,” Healey added. In addition to having to forgive loans and pay restitution, Navient will have to reform its behaviors going forward. The agency will have to explain to borrowers their options for income-driven repayment plans before placing them in forbearance. It will have to train specialists to advise borrowers on student loan forgiveness plans and repayment options. The settlement prohibits compensation methods for customer service agents that disincentivize them to counsel borrowers. The agency will have to eliminate some fees that it charges borrowers, and provide clear billing statements and payment histories. A student loan ombudsperson’s position was created in Healey’s office in July, under legislation that created a new licensing system for student loan servicers. In its first six months operating, Thoman, the ombudsperson, received 116 complaints against student loan servicers, of which 36 percent were against Navient. - See the full CommonWealth Magazine article.
MassHealth has issued new driver safety requirements to bring the state into compliance with new federal requirements added by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. These amendments will satisfy the federal requirement that each state provide for a mechanism, which may include attestation, that ensures any Medicaid provider or individual driver of non-emergency transportation to medically necessary services (excluding any public transit authority) meets specified minimum requirements. MassHealth will be implementing the following minimum requirements:
These regulations are effective December 27, 2021. Am I the only one horrified that these basic protections weren’t in place until now?!? - See the full MassHealth Transmittal Letter, TRN 39, December 2021.
Community Servings Offering Medically Tailored Meals and COVID Response Meals Community Servings is now offering medically tailored meals that can be purchased for $130 a week. An interesting option for those who can afford it and have trouble cooking or eating healthy. Weekly deliveries will include:
Community Servings is now also offering a COVID-specific program. Patients can get deliveries as soon as 1-2 days after the referral form is received at Community Servings. The form has to be faxed (it can not be emailed). Please submit completed referral form to secure fax: 617.522.7770 Questions? Call 617-522-7777 to speak with a member of the Client Services team. - Thanks to Kristen Risley for sharing this information to the MGH Outreach and Resource Navigation group (1/4/22 and 1/6/22).
FabiYana’s continues to deliver food and household items to families in need who cannot currently purchase food online and for medical reasons no one in the household can leave the house to get free food from a food pantry. Communities served: Belmont, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, Winthrop as well as Burlington, Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn. Applications must be completed by an advocate; MGH is a participating organization. Additional Detail
FabiYana’s can be contacted at 857-529-7609 if you have any questions. Texting is best, and calls will be returned after work hours. Website: https://m.me/FabiYanasUrgentFoods FabiYana's URGENT Foods - Greater Boston Area (google.com) - Thanks to Kristen Risley for the reminder about this program and Jude Weinstein-Jones for the clarification/additional detail.
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has distributed over 3000 hotspots to approximately 220 public libraries for loan to library users. This program is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The hotspot lending program focuses on IMLS' primary goal for these funds, digital inclusion. MBLC has provided the hotspot devices and will cover the cost of the internet service / data plan through the end of September 2022. In September libraries can choose to take over the hotspot data plans or discontinue the program. The eligibility rules may vary by library, but the program is typically open to any adult with a library card that is in good standing. Hotspots typically can be checked out for 2-3 weeks. Locate a Massachusetts library WIFI Hotspot program at: https://libraries.state.ma.us/hotspots More Information Boston Public Library (BPL) Each WiFi hotspot kit contains a hotspot device, Micro USB cable, adapter, and instructions in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. For more information about the BPL program visit: https://www.bpl.org/hotspot/ - Thanks to Hannah Perry for this article.
United Healthcare offers transportation to health care appointments at no cost The program is managed by ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare). How it works
Gas reimbursement is also an option for those who have a friend or family member to drive to appointments. - Thanks to Michael Padulsky for sharing this resource and patient experience.
Head to CovidTests.gov. On the front page, you should see “Order Free At-Home Tests" in a blue bubble. Clicking that redirects you to the United States Postal Service site, where you'll fill out your name and address. Include your email address so you can get shipping notifications. Once you've filled in your address, click the green “Check Out Now” button to the right. Don't worry, it's completely free, including shipping. Only one person per household should place a request. If you'd rather place an order by phone or you know someone who doesn't have access to the internet, like an elderly relative, you can call the helpline at 1-800-232-0233. Be warned that you will probably be on hold for a while. Don't call the USPS, as no one you speak to will be able to place orders on your behalf. The tests are taking an estimated seven to 12 days to ship, so we recommend ordering them now and keeping them on hand until you need one. There's no guarantee as to what brand you'll be getting, and you can't choose, but the site does say these are FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests. You should take a test as soon as you start to notice symptoms or within five days of exposure, according to the CDC. If you're asymptomatic and your first test is negative, take another test based on the manufacturer's instructions. This is usually within two to three days of the first test—most tests come with two tests for this reason. If your test is positive, take another test to verify it and quarantine for five days. Do You Need a Test Right Now? If you need a test ASAP, please check our Guide to 10 Good Rapid At-Home Covid-19 Tests and Where to Find Them. It also has more information about accuracy. Rapid tests usually show results in about 15 minutes, but they're only about 85 percent accurate. The Tests We Recommend (see our guide for more retailers). Preliminary results show that the two starred tests can detect the new Omicron variant:
Common Problems When Using the Site Even though the government had two years to figure out this plan, it is not without bugs. Hopefully, you'll be able to complete your request in minutes. But here are a few common problems we've seen. Do you live in an apartment or a live-work space? Apartment dwellers may find that their multi-unit building has been classified as a single house. If anyone in the entire building has placed an order for tests, the system thinks they're requesting more than the allotted four per household. The USPS addresses this issue by asking anyone who has experienced it to file a service request here. Representative Jerry Nadler of Manhattan has also tweeted about the issue. Anecdotally, Nadler tweeted that some people have been able to resolve the issue by making sure everything is correct using the USPS's zip code search. You can also try entering your apartment's unit number in the same box as your address instead of the Apt / Suite / Other box. However, several members of the WIRED staff were unable to request tests using any of these methods. The same issue is happening for those who reside in a live-work building, which is common in California's Bay Area. The system sees these addresses as businesses and won't ship tests there. You'll also need to file a service request. Do you have more than four people in your house? Right now, each household can get only four tests, no matter how many people live there, and it's unclear if we'll be able to request more in the future. If you've used all four tests or you just have a bigger family, you're out of luck when it comes to a free at-home kit. Do you not speak English, Spanish, or Chinese? The website only has three language options right now, English, Spanish, and Chinese. It's not clear if the helpline listed above (1-800-232-0233) will be able to help people who don't speak one of those three. Are you homeless? The site states that these tests are sent to valid residential addresses and residential PO boxes only. One of the FAQs asks if tests can be picked up at another location or held at the USPS, and the answer is unfortunately no. If you're currently homeless, reach out to your local health social service agency to find a free test. What About Free Masks? President Biden stated that 400 million N95 masks will also be available for free—starting next week—for pickup at pharmacies and community health centers. There's no word on exactly what date we can expect them to arrive. More Information - See the full How to Get Your 4 Free At-Home Covid-19 Tests (2022) | WIRED article.
The Bright Spot Network provides young cancer survivors who are parents of small children with a safe space for individual and familial healing, recovery, and reconnection Programs includes support groups, a free children’s books program, small grants for families in need and “Bright Box,” a collaboration with The Dolly Project that contains art projects for kids whose parents are in cancer treatment or recovering from surgery. Bright Grants Any BSN families/parents/caregivers in need are eligible to apply for $500 in funding. Apply for a $500 Bright Grant using this form today. Bright Spot Network reviews grant applications monthly. Apply anytime. We have a set number of grants to give away and will review applications at the end of each month. We prioritize families with a child 6 years old and under (including those diagnosed while pregnant) where a parent or child’s primary caregiver is in active treatment or is in recent survivorship (within 6 months of last treatment). All applicants will be notified and those eligible, but not selected, will be rolled over to the next month and considered for up to one year. At this time, we can only serve applicants inside the U.S. What can grant funding be used for? Funds can be used for anything that will help you and your family during the difficulty of cancer diagnosis, treatment, or it’s aftermath. Example include (but are not limited to!):
More at: Financial help for families with cancer — Bright Spot Network and Helping families through cancer -Bright Spot Network - Thanks to Lauren DeMarco for sharing information about this resource.
Below the Belt – Women’s Cancer Outreach on the Cape (Note on language: the program is aware that the language used here is not inclusive and may impact who feels safe accessing these services. They are revising their outreach materials.) MJ’s gift offers economic supports specifically to Cape Cod women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer to help with medical and household expenses. Please call 508-827-1212 or email btbwco.org for assistance. More on their services page: https://btbwco.org/what-we-do/
MassHealth Now Covers Acupuncture and Care at Urgent Care Clinics Effective January 21, 2022 MassHealth has added acupuncture and urgent care clinic services as covered services under MassHealth Standard, MassHealth CarePlus, and MassHealth CommonHealth, as well as for certain MassHealth Family Assistance members. Updates also exempt urgent care clinic services from the PCC and Primary Care ACO referral requirements. - See the full MassHealth Transmittal Letter ALL-235 January 2022.
Health Connector Enrollment Closed and Special Enrollment Period Rules The MA Health Connector's Open Enrollment period ended on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Consumers can still apply for health benefits outside of open enrollment if they have a qualifying life event—like getting married, losing a job, having a child, or losing health insurance. To learn more about qualifying life events, visit the Connector. Also, you can enroll any time of year if:
I am losing my current health insurance. Do I have to wait until open enrollment to enroll in a new health insurance?Typically, losing health insurance is considered a qualifying life event. This includes losing health insurance through a job, becoming ineligible for MassHealth or ConnectorCare, or aging out of your parent’s plan when turning 26. You have 60 days from the date when you lose your health insurance to enroll in new health insurance. Read more about the Health Connector's Special Enrollment Period (SEP) rules. - Adapted from Frequently Asked Questions About Open Enrollment with additional material from Health Connector Open Enrollment ends 1/23 and MassHealth’s Health Equity Requests for Information deadline extended to 2/4, Massachusetts Health Care Training Forum, January 21, 2022.
The Biden administration announced new details this month on how Americans can get free COVID-19 tests or reimbursements from their private insurance. This follows up on an announcement that the White House made last month. Under the new policy , individuals covered by a health insurance plan who purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test that has been authorized, cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration will now be able to have those test costs covered by their insurance. Insurance companies and health plans will be required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month, according to White House officials. For instance, a family of four all on the same plan would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. The Biden Administration says it is "incentivizing" insurers and group health plans to set up programs that will allow Americans to get the over-the-counter tests (PCR and rapid tests) directly through preferred pharmacies, retailers or other entities with no out-of-pocket costs. For people whose health care providers have ordered a COVID-19 test, the Biden administration said there will not be a limit on the number of tests that are covered — including at-home tests. Currently, state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs must cover FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests without cost-sharing. At this time, those who are on Medicare will not be able to get their at-home COVID-19 tests reimbursed through the program, according to the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. In a frequently asked questions document, the department explained that this policy does not extend to people with traditional Medicare, saying only that “At this time Original Medicare cannot pay for at-home tests through this program.” Medicare Advantage plans are permitted but not required to cover the tests. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries can use only laboratory testing. This is an obstacle, especially for those who lack reliable transportation. Because many people with Medicare are at increased risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, we must continue to reduce barriers to access testing to advance both their individual well-being and public health. Currently, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program plans are required to fully cover the cost of at-home tests. On Jan 14, 2022 MassHealth released All Provider Bulletin. 337 and Managed Care Entity Bulletin 80 providing that MassHealth pharmacy coverage will now include payment for 8 antigen at home tests per month without requiring an individual prescription or prior authorization. A related DPH standing order is here. (This coverage applies to test kits obtained from local pharmacies participating in MassHealth, not reimbursement for orders from online suppliers). Coverage of 8 at-home tests per month aligns with required coverage in private plans (including ConnectorCare plans and other plans purchased through the Health Connector) effective Jan 15, 2022. CMS FAQs: 11022-faqs-otc-testing-guidance.pdf (cms.gov) Sources and For More Information
As of Jan. 1, 2022, the “No Surprises Act” consumer protection law goes into effect. This legislation will ban most forms of surprise billing, or balance billing, in which a person unknowingly gets medical care by a provider outside their private insurer’s network, even when visiting an in-network facility. It’s a common scenario that happens in about 1 in 5 emergency room visits, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Even if you’re careful to choose an in-network physician or facility, part of your visit might require ancillary service providers not covered by your insurance, such as anesthesiologists, radiologists and intensivists. These ancillary services are often in the same building as an in-network provider, which only adds to the confusion of what’s actually covered through insurance, says Patricia Kelmar, a director of health care campaigns at U.S. PIRG. “It takes advantage of people at their most vulnerable moment,” she says, arguing that patients are not in a good position to police their insurance coverage, particularly when receiving emergency care. The new rules apply to private insurers, including those provided through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace (surprise billing is already banned under Medicare and Medicaid). As of Jan. 1, patients shouldn’t receive a surprise medical bill from an out-of-network provider in the following scenarios:
As well, emergency care providers can’t charge you out-of-network rates for services rendered once you’re in stable condition, unless you provide consent and you’re able to freely travel on your own to an available in-network provider. In these scenarios, the consumer will no longer be the middleman between their provider and insurer, and will only pay for in-network costs. Any outstanding balance will have to be settled between insurers and the out-of-network medical providers. The law gives insurers and these providers 30 days to sort out discrepancies, and there’s a new arbitration process for them to settle their disputes. Limitations to considerLocation matters. These new federal protections only apply to emergency rooms or departments, and urgent-care centers that provide emergency services. They also apply for hospitals, hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers that are in-network. However, these protections don’t apply to non-emergency services provided in other facilities like addiction treatment facilities, birthing centers, clinics, hospice, nursing homes, or urgent-care centers that aren’t licensed to provide emergency services. You’ll always want to check that these facilities and the services they provide are in-network, particularly for urgent-care centers. The No Surprises Act also won’t cover ground ambulance transportation, even though you have almost no control over who provides the service. That means you still might receive an out-of-network balance bill for an ambulance. Some states do offer surprise bill protections specific to ground ambulances (but at this writing, NOT Massachusetts), otherwise your best bet is to call the ambulance provider and try to negotiate your bill, Kelmar says. How to Protect Yourself from a Surprise BillWhen dealing with a health-care provider, it can sometimes be difficult to get a straight answer on exactly what’s covered by your insurer. Kelmar suggests asking, “Are you part of my plan’s network?” rather than, “Do you take my insurance?” as that will tell you more about what to expect for actual costs. Out-of-network doctors may ask you to sign the Surprise Billing Protection Form. Kelmar recommends that you don’t sign it until you’ve read it fully, you have a full estimate of charges and are willing to pay that amount. Emergency physicians or facilities, assistant surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, hospitalists and intensivists are not allowed to ask you to sign this form. If you do end up signing this form, and it’s $400 higher than the estimate, you can dispute the bill by filing a complaint online here or by calling 1-800-985-3059. If you receive a surprise medical bill after Jan. 1, 2022, contact both the provider and your insurer immediately. If they still insist on payment, you can file a complaint within 120 days online here, or by calling 1-800-985-3059. What To Do If You Get a Surprise Bill Anyway If you suspect you’ve received a now-banned bill, call your insurer first, experts say. “If they can’t validate a bill and tell you that you shouldn’t have received it, call the provider next to ask what happened,” Donovan said. “If they insist that they can bill you, the best move may be to try to do a three-way call with yourself, your provider and your insurer.” If both your insurer and your provider won’t amend the bill, you should submit an official complaint. The federal government has a new process for you to report suspected surprise medical bills. You can do so online or by phone at at 1-800-985-3059. In the meantime, your provider could submit your bill to collections. “Remain calm,” Donovan said. “You still have protections.” If you receive a call from a collections agency, inform them that you’re disputing the medical bill, Donovan said. As a result, they shouldn’t contact you for at least 30 days, while they’re confirming your claim. “Do not pay anything towards the bill,” she warned. “That will count as you accepting responsibility for it.” Fortunately, a medical bill generally shouldn’t show up on your credit report for at least 180 days. Hopefully by then the bill is fixed. MGB Statement (Excerpted) On January 1, 2022, the federal and Massachusetts’ “No Surprises Acts” take effect. These acts require that healthcare facilities – both hospitals and practices – notify patients at the time of booking an appointment if their insurance plan is considered non-contracted and/or out of network. Mass General Brigham is responsible to follow up with a cost estimate of what their balance will be, and the patient needs to sign a consent form if they choose to proceed with the appointment. As part of this rule, we are also required to publish a notice of the patient’s rights on all entity websites and in office locations. In addition, good faith estimates are required for all uninsured/self-pay scheduled services and when requested by an uninsured/self-pay patient (e.g., shopping for services). Questions can be directed to Lisa Finston, Mass General Brigham’s director of payor operations and revenue reimbursement. Sources and for More Information
2022 Medicare Costs Here is an overview of new Medicare 2022 costs. Part A (Hospital insurance)
Part B (Medical insurance)
Part D (Prescription drug coverage)
Note that if you have a Medigap policy, your budgeting may look a little different. You pay a monthly premium for the Medigap policy, which in turn pays part or all of certain costs after Original Medicare pays. For example, a Medigap policy can cover the cost of your Part B coinsurance or inpatient hospital deductible. Medigap premiums vary throughout the country, but in general they range from $100 to $300 per month. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, your plan administers your Medicare coverage. Remember that most people with Medicare, whether they have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, pay the Part B monthly premium. Some people with a Medicare Advantage Plan may also pay an additional monthly premium for that plan If you have the same Medicare Advantage Plan in 2022 as you did in 2021, your plan should have sent you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) notice explaining any changes for the coming year. Review this notice to understand your plan’s costs, covered services, and rules. Contact your plan if you did not receive these documents in the fall or want another copy. If you chose a new Medicare Advantage Plan, you should get an EOC for the new plan and you can review that document to understand the costs associated with the plan for 2022. - From How will Medicare costs change in 2022?, Dear Marci, Medicare Rights Center, January 3, 2022.
Demand for Welfare Spikes as Jobless Benefits End The elimination of federal unemployment programs last year caused a surge in requests for food stamps and other public assistance programs. That's according to newly released data by the state Department of Transitional Assistance, which shows the number of Massachusetts households seeking food assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has jumped to more than 570,000 -- a 27% increase over pre-pandemic levels. The state also has seen a spike in requests for the primary cash assistance program, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and another program, Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children. Advocacy groups say demand for food assistance has soared amid the ongoing economic turmoil created by the pandemic and the loss of federal unemployment benefits for workers still impacted by joblessness. Three pandemic-related unemployment benefits established by the March 2020 CARES Act, including a $300 weekly payment, expired on Sept. 6, with estimated 300,000 workers losing federal jobless benefits. Massachusetts was one of the first states to authorize the federal jobless benefits, including one that for "gig" economy workers who didn't qualify for a regular state unemployment benefits. It was one of the last states to end the programs, allowing jobless workers to collect the benefits to the end of the federal deadline. Overall, the state has seen a steadily declining number of people seeking unemployment benefits. There were 9,361 new filings for state benefits filed for the week that ended Jan. 15, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That's 2,176 fewer than in the previous week. The state's unemployment rate dropped to 3.9% in December. But advocates expect the issue of food security to linger for a number of years as workers impacted by the pandemic slowly find their way back to the workforce. Anti-poverty advocates are making a push to expand welfare benefits as part of a campaign to lift tens of thousands of children out of "deep poverty." One proposal, backed by more than half of the 200-member state Legislature, would increase welfare benefits through the state's primary cash assistance program, known as Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, by 20% every year until the payments reach 50% of the federal poverty level. That would raise benefits for an average family of three to $915 a month. In 2020, lawmakers approved a plan increasing child welfare benefits for the first time in two decades, but advocates say more help is needed. - See the full article Demand for welfare spikes as jobless benefits end | | eagletribune.com
Massachusetts to Host 2,000 Afghans, Double Expected Amount Massachusetts is expecting to receive twice as many Afghan refugees as it had anticipated following the Taliban takeover of the country last summer, one of the state’s major refugee resettlement agencies said this month. Jeffrey Thielman, president and CEO of the International Institute of New England, said around 2,000 evacuees are expected to be settled in the state by the end of next month. That’s up from the roughly 1,100 evacuees state officials anticipated in September, as thousands of Afghans were expected to arrive in states across the country as part of the first wave of evacuees. Spokespersons for the state Office for Refugees and Immigrants didn’t respond to an email seeking comment, but Thielman said the state’s non-profit resettlement agencies are prepared to handle the influx. “This has been the most intense period of resettlement that we’ve ever experienced,” he said. “We are all these people have when they first arrive, so the demand is very intense.” From October to last week, the International Institute of New England has resettled nearly 450 Afghan nationals in Massachusetts and New Hampshire — more than the organization resettled in the last three fiscal years combined, Thielman said. Of those, about 150 Afghans have been settled in the Boston area, nearly 200 in Lowell and more than 80 in Manchester, New Hampshire, he said. Nearly 200 of the new arrivals are children. The efforts received a boost last month when Republican Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a supplemental budget allocating $12 million to help resettle Afghan nationals, making Massachusetts one of the few states to provide local money to support federally-funded resettlement efforts. Up to 75% of Massachusetts’ funding is expected to go directly to arriving families, with the remaining 25% bolstering refugee resettlement organizations, the International Institute of New England has said. The funding could provide, on average, about $3,000 per refugee, or $12,000 in additional support for a family of four. Massachusetts’ Afghan refugee population expected to far exceed other New England states. California, in comparison, was projected to take in the most Afghan evacuees of any state with more than 5,200. - See the full story Massachusetts to host 2,000 Afghans, double expected amount | WBUR News
New Hampshire Voluntary Paid Medical Leave – to Start January 2023 New Hampshire joined eight states and the District of Columbia when, on June 24, the New Hampshire Legislature passed a two-year state budget that includes a paid leave program. Gov. Chris Sununu signed the budget on June 25, and coverage must be provided by Jan. 1, 2023. The voluntary program, called the Granite State Paid Family Leave Plan, provides New Hampshire workers with 60 percent wage replacement for up to six weeks of work per year if they take time off for personal health or family reasons. Employees who work for businesses that participate in the voluntary program can utilize the leave for:
While some states have made participation in the paid leave program mandatory, the New Hampshire program is voluntary, meaning both individuals and employers can choose whether to participate in the program. The 10,000 employees of the state will receive this benefit automatically, and they will serve as the risk pool for the program. The law requires that the insurance carrier, or carriers that are awarded the state employee insurance contract, allow all public employers, as well as private employers with more than 50 employees, to opt into the Granite State Paid Family Leave Plan policies. Employers that opt-in to the program must participate in payroll deductions and provide heightened employment protections, such as continuation of health insurance coverage during leave, as well as protection from discrimination and retaliation from utilizing the leave. Tax credits are provided to employers who opt-in to the program. Individuals working for employers that do not choose to participate in the program or have equivalent paid leave programs can opt-in to the Granite State Paid Family Leave Plan through the individual pool Employers are responsible for remitting the employee paid premiums to the state by a payroll deduction. The law defines “serious health condition” as “any illness covered by the federal family and medical leave act” including treatment for addiction and mental health conditions. The FMLA covers illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental conditions that involve “inpatient care” or “continuing treatment by a health care provider.” As a result, for employees themselves to qualify for paid leave under the Plan for a “serious health condition,” they must demonstrate that their employer does not offer short-term disability insurance and that they are in inpatient care or require continuing treatment by a health care provider as defined by the FMLA. While the Plan does not specify a tenure requirement (i.e., a minimum number of hours worked or months of employment to be eligible to seek paid leave), the law gives the Commissioner of Administrative Services the ability to implement a tenure requirement and a waiting period. No regulations related to the law have yet been established. Therefore, while much of the Plan appears to align with the federal FMLA, as currently written, it could apply to employees that do not qualify for the FMLA due to lack of actual hours worked or tenure of employment before the need for leave. The law permits employers who opt-in to the Plan to require that employees take paid family leave concurrently other leave, be it contractual, FMLA, or some other policy-based leave. For example, if an employee of an employer that has opted-in to the Plan is entitled to and takes 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave, the first 6 weeks of that leave would run concurrently with FMLI and, therefore, the employee would receive 60% of their wages for those first 6 weeks (assuming the employee qualifies for paid leave under the Plan). At the end of those 6 weeks, the employee will have exhausted their paid leave under the Plan for the year and will have 6 weeks remaining of unpaid FMLA. Sources and for More Information |