SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1649        FILED ON: 1/18/2019

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 724

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Bruce E. Tarr

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to Mass Health Eligibility Checks.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1649        FILED ON: 1/18/2019

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 724

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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An Act relative to Mass Health Eligibility Checks.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Chapter 118E is hereby amended by adding after section 78 the following 12 sections:-

Section 79. The division on at least a monthly basis, shall receive and review information from the state lottery commission concerning individuals that indicates a change in circumstances that may affect eligibility, including but not limited to changes in income or resources.

Section 80. On at least a monthly basis, the division shall receive and review information from the registry of vital records and statistics concerning individuals enrolled that indicates a change in circumstances that may affect eligibility.

Section 81. On at least a quarterly basis, the division shall receive and review information from the department of unemployment assistance concerning individuals enrolled that indicates a change in circumstances that may affect eligibility, including but not limited to changes in employment or wages.

Section 82. On at least a quarterly basis, the division shall receive and review information from the department of transitional assistance concerning individuals enrolled that indicates a change in circumstances that may affect eligibility, including but not limited to potential changes in residency as identified by out-of-state electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transactions. The division in consultation with the department of transitional assistance shall develop a plan to facilitate, individuals receiving SNAP benefits if eligibility is confirmed by the information  shared pursuant to this section

Section 83. The division shall sign a memorandum of understanding with any department, agency, or division for information detailed in this chapter.

Section 84.The division may contract with one or more independent vendors to provide additional data or information which may indicate a change in circumstances that may affect eligibility.

Section 85. The division shall explore joining any multi-state cooperative to identify individuals who are also enrolled in public assistance programs outside of this state, including the National Accuracy Clearinghouse.

Section 86. If the division receives information concerning an individual enrolled indicates a change in circumstances that may affect eligibility, the division shall review the individual’s case.