Bill > S678

This bill aims to improve public health by making it easier for individuals to apply for and access core food, health, and safety-net programs. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Requiring the Division of Medicaid to offer MassHealth and Medicare Savings Program applicants and recipients the option to initiate an application for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at the time of their medical assistance application or renewal. The Division will also be able to share relevant financial and eligibility information with the Department of Transitional Assistance to facilitate the SNAP application process. 2. Directing the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Communities and Development to develop a common application portal that allows individuals to simultaneously apply for various state-administered needs-based benefits and services, such as MassHealth coverage, SNAP, income supports, veterans services, child care subsidies, housing subsidies, and fuel assistance. 3. Requiring public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to include information on the availability of SNAP and how families can apply for it, either directly or through an outreach partner, with the school lunch program application materials. The overall goal of the bill is to improve access to federal nutrition assistance and reduce healthcare costs by ensuring individuals have the information and means to apply for a range of safety-net programs through a more streamlined and integrated process.