If you are at least 65 years old or are in need of long-term care services, you may apply for MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program.

There are three ways of applying for the program:

Applying by mail

To complete the application by mail, print out the Application for Health Coverage for Seniors and people Needing Long-Term Care Services and any other necessary supplements. Complete and sign the form(s), and collect the necessary documents to go along with the application, including income and asset information, citizenship documents, immigration documents and anything else requested.

Submit all of this information and documentation to:

MassHealthEnrollment Center
Central Processing Unit
P.O. Box 290794
Charlestown, MA 02129-0214

Applying by fax

When applying by fax, you print out the same documentation as listed above, filling out the forms and attaching all necessary information and supplementary documents. Rather than mailing it to the above address, simply fax all the paperwork to (617) 887-8799.

Applying in person

You may apply in person at any of five enrollment centers, which are open Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Do not mail or fax your application to these enrollment centers—use the above information. These enrollment centers are located in Chelsea, Springfield, Taunton, Tewksbury and Quincy.

What do you need to apply?

So what specific information can you expect to be asked for when you apply for MassHealth?

First and foremost, you should have Social Security numbers for every member of your household who is applying for the program. You should have a proof of your income (such as W2 or pay stubs) and proof of assets (such as statements for your various financial accounts), as well as proof of any health insurance you are either already enrolled in or have access to.

Finally, be prepared to provide proof of your citizenship/national status or your immigration status.

What happens after you apply?

After you submit your application, it gets reviewed so the MassHealth body can determine whether or not you are eligible. Once it has reached this determination, it will send you a written notice of its decision.

If you paid for medical services during your eligibility period, be sure to provide this written MassHealth notice to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. The healthcare provider can then determine if MassHealth will pay for the healthcare services you already received, giving you a refund.

For more information about applying for MassHealth or for assistance as you go through the application process, we encourage you to contact an elder law attorney at Baker Law Group, P.C.