The Massachusetts Attorney General has issued this guidance for patients and healthcare providers regarding immigration enforcement and healthcare.
Last-reviewed: May 13, 2026
General
- The Massachusetts Attorney General has issued guidance for patients and healthcare providers regarding immigration enforcement and healthcare.
MassHealth
- Care teams can share the MyServices Portal with MassHealth members where they can review their information, eligibility status, enrollment information and more.
- Massachusetts residents on Medicare may be eligible to get help paying medical costs through the Medicare Savings Program (f/k/a MassHealth Buy-In), which has no asset test.
- MassHealth members may be contacted by text, email, robocall and/or mail regarding their renewal or with other important information about their health coverage.
- MassHealth Enrollment Centers are open for limited walk-in appointments. To set up an in-person appointment to discuss a health plan, use the appointment scheduler or call Customer Service (800-841-2900).
- Information about MassHealth for non-citizens is available here.
- Pregnant MassHealth members, including undocumented members, are eligible for postpartum coverage for 12 months after pregnancy. MassHealth members should notify MassHealth of their pregnancy to ensure that they receive access to all benefits they may be eligible for. Members can notify MassHealth through the MA Login Account, by calling the MassHealth Customer Service Center (800-841-2900), or by working with a local Enrollment Assister.
- MassHealth now allows coverage for doula services for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum members. The coverage includes labor and delivery support and visits during pregnancy and postpartum.
- MassHealth covers some commonly used over-the-counter medications without prior authorization (e.g., aspirin, hydrogen peroxide, vitamin supplements). See the full list for details.
- This issue brief from the Blue Cross Foundation of MA has helpful information about supporting people in maintaining their Medicaid coverage, as new work requirements and more frequent recertifications are instituted in 2027.
Medicare
- Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 – December 7 each year.
- Information about Medicare plans, including special enrollment periods, can be found at Medicare.gov.
- Justice in Aging has factsheets with helpful information for Medicare, Medicaid and people in same sex relationships, and Medicare & transgender older adults. In addition, there is a factsheet for people who assist dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) enrollees during the Medicaid reenrollments.
Private Health Insurance
- Massachusetts residents seeking health insurance can compare plans and subsidies available on the Massachusetts Health Connector. Open enrollment runs November 1, 2025 – January 23, 2026.
- For assistance navigating health insurance enrollment, getting medications or care covered, or finding affordable options, call the Health Care For All (HCFA) HelpLine at 800-272-4232 or submit an inquiry online. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- If you have a problem with health insurance claims or medical bills, the Attorney General’s Health Care Division may be able to help. Call the helpline with questions or complaints at (888) 830-6277.
- ProPublica’s Claim File tool helps patients request the information that their insurer used to deny coverage. Patients should know that they should not let any appeal deadline pass while waiting to receive the information – deadlines are on the notice of denial.
Access to Health Care and Public Health Information
- Massachusetts’ Federally Qualified Health Centers provide free or low-cost primary medical, behavioral health, and dental care.
- Massachusetts has many free health care programs.
- The No Surprises Act requires many healthcare providers to give patients an up-front cost estimate of services. If the patient is later charged more than $400 above that estimate, they have an opportunity to file a dispute. There are also limitations to out-of-network charges for some insured patients.
- Veterans may be eligible for healthcare services through the VA. Use the VA website to navigate eligibility, benefits, and find providers. Those who received a less than honorable discharge can also use this Veterans Legal Services Guide.
- DPH has expanded its statewide public information campaign to raise awareness of the birth control benefits available under ACCESS, a state law that permits eligible people to get (1) a year’s supply of no-cost birth control with just one trip to the pharmacy; and (2) emergency contraception at no cost.
Immunization and COVID information
- Information on Massachusetts respiratory illness levels.
- The MA Dept. of Health has COVID vaccine information, including recommendations and where to get free or low-cost vaccines.
- School immunization requirements and data is available on the Mass.Gov website.
Suicide Prevention Hotlines
- 9-8-8 is a national suicide & crisis hotline for phone calls and texts. It does not replace 911 for emergencies, but rather connects people who are experiencing a mental health crisis to a counselor.
- FAQ here.
- Services are available in English and Spanish, with interpreter services available for hundreds of other languages.
- TTY users dial 711 then 988 or people can use their preferred relay service.
- The Trevor Project operates an LGBTQIA+ youth crisis line by phone, text and online chat.
Unlocking Access® Resources for Care Teams
There are many ways care teams can support people with heath access and public health-related needs. For more specific legal information and strategies, care team members who have access to Legal Key’s Unlocking Access® Hub should log in.
If you are a Legal Key partner who does not have their login information, or you’d like to learn more about how to gain access to the Unlocking Access Hub, get in touch with us!