Code of Massachusetts Regulations
130 CMR - DIVISION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Title 130 CMR 522.000 - Masshealth: Other Division Programs
Section 522.002 - Refugee Resettlement Program

(1) The RRP was established by the Refugee Act of 1980. The Refugee Act of 1980 authorizes funds for the administration and implementation of social and educational services and employment training and placement, as well as cash assistance and medical assistance to refugees without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, or political opinion. It is the intent of the Refugee Act of 1980 to promote the resettlement and economic self-sufficiency of refugees within the shortest time frame possible.

(2) The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) is the state agency responsible for the delivery of services to refugees under the RRP. ORI has entered into an agreement with the MassHealth agency to provide RMA to eligible individuals. Refugee resettlement agencies under contract with ORI make the RRP eligibility determination and assist refugees to submit an application for MassHealth.

(1) have valid documentation of refugee, asylee, Cuban and Haitian entrant, Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder, or Amerasian status from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); or of victim of human trafficking status from the Federal Administration for Children and Families or USCIS;

(2) be a resident of Massachusetts;

(3) have modified adjusted gross income of the MassHealth MAGI household that is less than 200% of the federal-poverty-level (FPL) standards or meet a deductible in accordance with 130 CMR 520.028 through 520.035; and

(4) be ineligible for MassHealth Standard, Common Health, Care Plus, and Family Assistance.

(1) Eight-month Eligibility Period. A refugee who meets the eligibility requirements of RMA is eligible to receive MassHealth Standard or Care Plus for an eight-month period beginning with the date of entry into the United States.

(2) End of Eight-month Eligibility Period. A refugee who has been in the country for eight months from his or her date of entry is no longer eligible for MassHealth under the refugee resettlement program. Such refugee will be notified in advance of termination.

(3) Extended MassHealth Eligibility. A refugee who becomes ineligible for MassHealth solely by reason of increased earnings from employment or increased hours of employment will have coverage for the balance of the eight-month period.