MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
Community Health Center Bulletin 129: 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, WFTC/OB3). Question 14 in Step 2 now asks about immigration status (Lawful Permanent Resident, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, COFA migrant). Eligibility changes take effect October 1, 2026 for MassHealth; the Health Connector begins using the updated form during their 2027 open enrollment (August 15, 2026).
Action Required
By September 30, 2026: Billing and enrollment staff must be trained on the updated ACA-3 application, specifically Question 14 regarding immigration status. Update intake processes and eligibility verification workflows to capture and process the new immigration status data. Ensure all staff understand that eligibility determinations will change based on responses to this question starting October 1, 2026. Front desk staff should direct applicants to use the August 2026 version of ACA-3 available at mass.gov/lists/masshealth-member-applications. This affects MassHealth member eligibility and coverage determination; failure to use updated forms and eligibility criteria may result in incorrect coverage decisions and claims denials.