MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
Acute Inpatient Hospital Bulletin 210: Updated Application for Health and Dental Coverage and Help Paying Costs (ACA-3)
MassHealth·MA·Medical Policy
Effective date
Oct 1, 2026
We identified it
Aug 15, 2026
Summary
MassHealth updated the ACA-3 application form (August 2026) to comply with federal legislation (P.L. 119-21) by adding Question 14 to Step 2, which asks applicants about immigration status (Lawful Permanent Resident, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or COMPACT of Free Association migrant). Eligibility changes based on this question take effect October 1, 2026 for MassHealth.
Action Required
By October 1, 2026: Front desk and eligibility staff must ensure all MassHealth applicants complete the updated ACA-3 application form (August 2026 version). Verify that Question 14 regarding immigration status (LPR, CHE, COFA migrant) is completed during intake and eligibility determination. Update intake procedures to include this new eligibility question. Billing team should coordinate with eligibility staff to ensure accurate coverage determination based on immigration status responses, as this may affect eligibility determinations and coverage scope. Download the updated ACA-3 form from mass.gov/lists/masshealth-member-applications. Note: Massachusetts Health Connector begins using this question during their 2027 open enrollment period (August 15, 2026), but MassHealth eligibility changes do not take effect until October 1, 2026.