Bill > S855

This bill establishes a new healthcare program for children and young adults under 21 who are Massachusetts residents but currently ineligible for comprehensive health benefits through existing programs like Medicaid (Title XIX) or the Children's Health Insurance Program (Title XXI) due to their immigration status. The program will provide MassHealth benefits that are equivalent to those available to other children of similar age and income levels, with a key provision that these benefits will be provided regardless of federal financial participation. Specifically, the executive office of health and human services is tasked with implementing the program and attempting to maximize federal funding, but the benefits will not be contingent on receiving federal financial support. This approach aims to ensure equitable health coverage for all children in Massachusetts, regardless of their immigration status, by creating a state-funded safety net for healthcare access.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S855