Baker-Polito Administration launches application that makes it easier to apply for MassHealth and food benefits

BOSTON – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced that residents can now easily initiate a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program application when applying for or renewing their MassHealth benefits online.

“The Administration, in partnership with community and health care organizations, and the legislature, is committed to ensuring that Massachusetts residents have equitable, timely and efficient access to health, economic and food security benefits,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “This initiative is another vital step to integrating and modernizing access to public benefit programs and ensuring there is no wrong door for residents to access assistance.”

Through this option, when members opt in through the application or renewal process, MassHealth will securely transmit applicant information to the Department of Transitional Assistance to initiate a resident’s SNAP application. DTA will then reach out to the individual to capture any additional required information needed to complete the SNAP application. This streamlined process will create an opportunity to reduce the gap between those on MassHealth and those potentially eligible for SNAP (known as the “SNAP gap”) among current MassHealth members.

“MassHealth is dedicated to ensuring our members receive all the benefits they qualify for and is working to ensure that the process for accessing these benefits is streamlined,” said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Amanda Cassel Kraft.

“The Administration has maximized all federal flexibilities and invested in IT changes to make it easier than ever to apply for SNAP. This new option will continue to improve the customer service experience by simplifying the process to apply for these critical food benefits,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan.