Amendment #196 to H4700

Creating a Front Door to Basic Needs Benefits Through a Common Application

Mr. Livingstone of Boston moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

SECTION XXXX. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services and the executive office of communities and development shall initiate development of a secure common application portal for individuals to simultaneously apply for state-administered needs-based benefits and services in coordination with the division of Medicaid, the department of transitional assistance, the department of early education and care, the executive office of education and the department of housing and community development. The common application shall allow individuals the option to apply at the same time for MassHealth coverage, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, income supports under Chapters 117A and 118 of the General Laws, veterans services benefits under Chapter 115 of the General Laws, child care subsidies, housing subsidies, fuel assistance and other needs-based health care, nutrition and shelter benefits. With the consent of the applicant, the common application shall allow for sharing of the relevant eligibility information and supporting documentation submitted by the applicant with the state agencies responsible for determining eligibility for the benefits requested.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #196 to H4700

Creating a Front Door to Basic Needs Benefits Through a Common Application