MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
Acute Inpatient Hospital Bulletin 209: Updated Application for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services (SACA-2)
MassHealth·MA · Geriatrics, Palliative Care·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Oct 1, 2026
We identified it
Aug 15, 2026
Summary
MassHealth updated the SACA-2 application form (effective October 1, 2026) to comply with federal legislation requiring eligibility questions about immigration status (Lawful Permanent Resident, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or COFA migrant). This affects MassHealth enrollment for seniors 65+ and individuals needing long-term care services. Billing teams should be aware that eligibility determinations may change based on updated immigration status questions, potentially affecting claim processing and coverage validation.
Action Required
By October 1, 2026: Billing and eligibility verification teams should (1) review updated SACA-2 application at mass.gov to understand new immigration status questions, (2) update member eligibility verification processes to account for potential coverage changes resulting from the new eligibility criteria, (3) ensure front-desk and billing staff are trained on how revised eligibility determinations may affect claim submission and member cost-sharing. Note: Massachusetts Health Connector begins using this updated question during their 2027 open enrollment (August 15, 2026), but MassHealth eligibility changes take effect October 1, 2026. Contact MassHealth at (800) 841-2900 with coverage questions.