News  The Pretrial Services Division Expands MassHealth Enrollment to Courts in Bristol and Suffolk Counties

The Pretrial Services Division of the Massachusetts Probation Service has expanded MassHealth enrollment to several courts in Bristol and Suffolk counties as part of the effort to close the health care gap for justice-involved individuals. MassHealth enrollment is now available at seven courts as well as at the Community Justice Support Centers.

Employees in the Pretrial Services Division kicked off the MassHealth enrollment program in July at the Berkshire District, Worcester District, Middlesex Superior courts as well as the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court. The Division added New Bedford District Court and BMC-Roxbury. Forty individuals have been enrolled into MassHealth to date. The Pretrial employees hold the position of Operations Coordinator and have completed certification to become Certified Application Counselor (CAC)'s.

"We have successfully enrolled 40 individuals in MassHealth through the Health Connector application process. Through this initiative, behavioral health and standard health care plans have been provided to justice-involved individuals who previously did not have healthcare coverage," said Deputy Commissioner Pamerson Ifill.

The Pretrial Division team includes Ifill, who oversees the department,; five Operations Coordinators, who include Donna Wilson, Shawnta Reid, Jameson Corrine, Daniel Klein, and Edward Colon. Mahlet Kebede is administrative secretary and Natalie Lorenti is Pretrial Administrator.

"I am honored to be the catalyst for removing barriers that prevent individuals from being connected with health insurance coverage, I believe health insurance coverage is a vital part of basic human rights," said Ms. Wilson.