Bill > S854

This bill aims to promote continuous health coverage for children under 19 who are enrolled in MassHealth (Massachusetts' Medicaid program) by ensuring they maintain coverage for at least 12 consecutive months, regardless of minor changes in their circumstances. The continuous eligibility will remain in effect unless specific exceptions apply, such as the child turning 19, moving out of state, requesting voluntary disenrollment, having been erroneously granted eligibility due to fraud or agency error, or passing away. The bill requires the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services to seek maximum federal financial participation for these coverage benefits, and importantly, stipulates that the coverage will not be solely dependent on the availability of federal funding. This provision is designed to provide more stable and predictable health insurance for children, reducing gaps in medical coverage that can occur due to frequent eligibility redeterminations and administrative processes.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S854