December 2003

• MassHealth Premium Waivers
• MassHealth Expansion for Women with Breast or Cervical Cancer
• DTA and the Rights of Limited English Proficiency Persons
• Prescription Advantage Updates

November 2003

• The Medicare Reform Bill
• State Supplemental Budget
• MassHealth and Free Care Updates - Joe Ianelli's CRC Presentation
• Elder Fall Prevention

October 2003

• Medex Offers Plan With Limited Drug Benefit
• Domestic Violence Awareness Events
  • Stalking in the Workplace
  • Domestic Violence in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Communities
  • Helping Men Father After Renouncing Violence
• Program Highlight: Caring Bridge

September 2003

• Welfare Benefits Decrease for 16,000
• Legal Immigrant Kids Get Food Stamps
• Consumer Protection From Utility Shut Off
• U.S. Allowing BHA Tenants a Choice on Location
• Program Reductions Due To Budget Cuts:
  • New Type of MassHealth: MassHealth Essential
  • MassHealth: Asset Testing
  • MassHealth: Premiums and Co-Pays
  • MassHealth Enrollment Caps: CommonHealth and Family Assistance
  • MassHealth Long Term Care: Asset Transfers
  • MassHealth Long Term Care: Income First Rule
  • MassHealth Long Term Care: Nursing Home Bed Hold Requirements
  • MassHealth: Health Insurance Premium Program
  • Healthy Start Changes
  • Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP) Changes

July 2003

• Prescription Advantage Program Saved
• United for a Fair Economy: Tax Cuts Lead to Current Budget Crisis
• MassHealth Community Spouse Asset Allowance Changed
• Summer Food Service Program
• Health Benefits Counseling for Elders with Limited English Proficiency
• Addendum B - Veto Overrides FY '04 and Final Budget

August 2003 - No Newsletter

June 2003

• State Budget FY '04
• MassHealth Controlled Substance Management Program
• National Do Not Call Registry
• Addendum A - Gov. Romney's Vetoes FY '04

May 2003

• "HomeCare Compare" Debuts
• Private Financial Assistance for Prosthetics
• Unemployment Benefits Extended Again
• Program Highlight: Hale House

April 2003

• IRis Update to Version 3.0

• McKinney-Vento Act - Educational Rights of Homeless Children

February 2003

• INS Moves to Department of Homeland Security
• Community Choices Initiative
• Prescription Advantage Enrollment Freeze
• GlaxoSmithKline Blocks Canadian Drug Imports
• Governor Reverses Cuts to Psychiatric Day Treatment
• Program Highlight: Partners Homecare Lifeline

January 2003

• MassHealth Cuts
• Additional State Budget Cuts
• Children's Medical Security Plan Changes
• Unemployment Benefits Extended
• Changes in Emergency Assistance (Shelter)
• Slash in U.S. Housing Funds
• Program Highlight: Hospitality Homes