WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1378

An Act relative to asset limits for MassHealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Kushmerek

Bill H.1378 raises asset limits for MassHealth eligibility, expanding healthcare coverage access to more low- and moderate-income Massachusetts residents with modest savings.

Reporting date extended to Friday, July 31, 2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1378

Legislative bill overview

H.1378 proposes to modify asset limit requirements for MassHealth eligibility, likely increasing the threshold of assets individuals and families can retain while still qualifying for the state's Medicaid program. The bill aims to align Massachusetts' asset rules with federal guidelines or reduce barriers to healthcare access for low-to-moderate income residents.

Why is this important

Asset limits directly affect who can access MassHealth coverage. Many people above the income threshold but with modest savings are currently ineligible; raising limits would expand coverage to working families and seniors with small savings accounts. This impacts healthcare access for approximately 1.9 million current MassHealth enrollees and potentially thousands more who fall into coverage gaps.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: Expanding eligibility typically increases enrollment and state spending on medical services, requiring budget appropriations during fiscally constrained periods
  • Definition of assets: Disagreement over what should count toward limits (retirement accounts, home equity, vehicles) and whether different rules should apply to elderly versus working-age populations
  • Work incentive tradeoffs: Concerns that higher asset limits might discourage work or savings among beneficiaries, versus arguments that current limits penalize financial responsibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.