MassHealth Guidance
- MassHealth Bulletins: These three new Bulletins outline MassHealth’s requirements for Acute Inpatient Hospitals PDF | Doc, Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitals PDF | Doc, and Managed Care Entities PDF | Doc with regards to discharge planning to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. A list of Acute Inpatient Hospitals PDF | XLSX and Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitals PDF | XLSX to which these Bulletins apply.
- Frequently Asked Questions about MassHealth Bulletins AIH-186 and PIH 27 PDF | Doc: This document provides additional information to Acute Inpatient Hospitals and Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitals regarding the requirements related to discharge planning to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Links to EHS Agency Resources
- For patients with serious mental illness, the hospital should contact the local Department of Mental Health (DMH) Area Office to determine if the patient is a DMH consumer and to identify potential housing and/or respite resources. If the patient is not already a DMH consumer, consult with the local DMH Area office to determine if a DMH application for services is appropriate.
- For patients with developmental or intellectual disabilities, the hospital should contact the local Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Area Office to determine if the patient is a DDS consumer and to identify potential housing and/or respite resources. If the patient is not already a DDS consumer, consult with the local DDS Area office about completing and submitting a DDS application for services.
- For patients with traumatic or acquired brain injuries, the hospital should contact the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to determine if the patient is a MRC consumer and to identify potential housing and/or respite resources. If the patient is not already a MRC consumer, consult with the MRC office about applying for MRC community-based services. You can complete a screening to determine if a person may have had exposure to a brain injury in their lifetime. More information here.
- For patients with substance use disorders, the hospital should contact the DPH-sponsored Helpline (800-327-5050). Helpline is the statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment, recovery programs, and assistance with problem gambling. The Helpline’s trained specialists will help the patient understand the treatment system and their options.
- For patients in need of MassHealth coverage, information on the application process can be found here. For further assistance with coverage or eligibility issues, please contact the MassHealth Customer Service Center (800) 841-2900.