COVID-19 Updates
Take-back Question form for 11/13/20 Assister Webinar
Medicare Resources
SHINE offices are open for virtual business at 1-800-243-4636. They can also receive emails at SHINE@state.ma.us.
SHINE counselors are working from phone, email, by Facetime or Skype as needed, and we are continuing to hold regional meetings via Zoom to stay updated on all the changes. Some agency or Council on Aging staff who are SHINE trained are meeting occasional consumers face to face. SHINE counselors are attending your informative Assister calls and trainings.
For those workers who become unemployed, lose health insurance and are Medicare eligible there is the customary special enrollment period of 60 days to select Medicare and gap coverage. If they miss that period there is an extended Disaster special enrollment period. SHINE counselors are helping newly unemployed navigate the changes.
Advocates Guide to Beneficiary-Related Medicare Change
Medicare Coverage and Coronavirus
Change to Medicare and Benefits Eligibility Under COVID-19
Medicare Savings Plan – English – Spanish – Chinese
Special Enrollment Period – Applicable for COVID-19
Concerned About Medicare Costs
Economic Stimulus Fraud Warning from Senior Medicare Patrol
Food Assistance Resources
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of individuals and families across Massachusetts are facing food insecurity, many for the first time. MassHealth, in partnership with other state agencies and food non-profit organizations, has developed a simple guide that your staff can use to help identify MassHealth members who need food assistance and connect them to resources in the community. Those food assistance resources can provide MassHealth members with immediate access to food, as well as recurring financial support for the purchase of food.
- Members-facing food assistance handout which provides information about available resources. Handout in English and in Spanish.
- Staff-facing guide to help your staff better understand how to identify members who need food assistance and the resources available to help them. Guide in English and in Spanish.
MassHealth and the Health Connector Updates Related to COVID-19 Meeting on April 10, 2020
- PowerPoint presentation material
- MassHealth and the Health Connector presentation (Audio only)
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) Coronavirus Visual Tool
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) has created a Coronavirus Visual Tool to assist Medical Professionals and Deaf and hard of hearing individuals communicate better during medical appointments. Not only the Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals but also, those who do not speak English. This tool is great to use and PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE!!
Coronavirus Visual Tool (pdf) Use:
Option 1: Download pdf and print it, front and back, on 8.5 x 11 paper
- You may wish to laminate it (particularly if medical providers feel the laminate can be disinfected)
Or
Option 2: Download pdf to a phone or tablet to be used on screen
Learn more information about this tool.