Bill > H1403

This bill establishes a comprehensive health coverage program for children and young adults under 21 years old who are residents of Massachusetts but are currently ineligible for existing health coverage programs (like MassHealth, which is Massachusetts' Medicaid program) solely because of their immigration status. The program will provide health benefits equivalent to those available to other children of similar age and income levels, using the same categorical and financial eligibility standards established by federal Titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act. Importantly, the bill requires the executive office of health and human services to seek maximum federal financial participation for these benefits, but stipulates that the benefits will not be dependent on or withheld due to the availability of federal funding. This means the state is committed to providing health coverage to these children regardless of federal financial support, effectively creating a safety net for a vulnerable population that might otherwise lack access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1403