Bill > S841

This bill amends a section of Massachusetts law related to Medicaid (MassHealth) eligibility and payment requirements for home and community-based services for elders and individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the bill modifies how excess income is calculated for individuals receiving certain types of care. Under the proposed change, for individuals applying for home or community-based services through specific federal waiver programs (such as PACE - Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly), the amount they are required to pay will be calculated by reducing their excess income by the difference between the MassHealth deductible-income standard and 300 percent of the federal benefit rate. However, this modified calculation does not apply to individuals in the "special income eligibility group" as defined by federal regulations. The bill aims to provide more equitable access to community care by adjusting how income is assessed for Medicaid recipients, potentially making these services more financially accessible for elders and persons with disabilities who have income slightly above standard exemption levels.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S841