By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would restore the ability of disabled seniors to receive support from special needs pooled trusts for care and needs that are not covered by MassHealth. Sponsor Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) said she filed the legislation in response to a new MassHealth regulation that eliminated this support for seniors.

“Pooled trusts allow persons with disabilities to maintain dignity and quality of life when confined to a nursing home or receiving home care,” said Hogan. “The trusts help provide for companion services, uninsured medical care, dental and pharmacy care, transportation, clothing, personal needs and household items, assisted living and many other kinds of support that MassHealth does not provide. Current MassHealth regulations penalize disabled seniors over 65 for using pooled trusts since they are counted in determining eligibility. This legislation would allow this vulnerable population to use the exemption for the purposes of determining MassHealth eligibility.”