On July 23rd, Children’s HealthWatch submitted written testimony before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Health Care Financing in support of the Senate Bill 761 and House Bill 1290, “An Act to streamline access to critical public health and safety-net programs through common applications.” By passing this bill and creating a common application portal so that families and individuals may apply for MassHealth and SNAP as well as cash assistance and SNAP at the same time the state will increase access to nutrition assistance, improve food security, and consequently reduce costs associated with the negative health effects of hunger.

Drs. Ettinger de Cuba and Sandel also testified in support of the Senate Bill 762 and House Bill 1309, “An Act to ensure equitable health coverage for children”, and the Senate Bill 763 and House Bill 1310, “An Act to ensure equitable access to health coverage for children with disabilities”. By passing these two bills and expanding access to MassHealth the state will increase access to care, improve health, and consequently reduce avoidable health care costs.

During the hearing, Dr. Megan Sandel testified before the committee in support of H.1290/S.761.