MassHealth members who are experiencing homelessness

I don’t have a permanent home. What address should I use?

If you are experiencing homelessness and don’t have a permanent home address, you should let us know. You can include this information on your MassHealth application or tell us over the phone. 

Residential address: If you’re staying in a shelter, use the shelter’s address as your residential address.  If you are not in a shelter and are moving around, you can leave the residential address blank, but make sure you give us a mailing address.

Mailing address: For the mailing address on your application, you can enter the address of any place where you can regularly receive mail. This could be the address of a friend, a family member, or someone else, including a person in a different state. You can leave this field blank if you’ve entered a residential address.

We need either a residential address or a mailing address to process your MassHealth application. We also need an address to mail you important information about your coverage.  

Tell us if your address changes.

Have you moved?

You may need to change your health plan to be closer to your doctors.

If you have moved, your primary care doctor or other providers may now be far from you, or they may not be available in your area. If you need to change your health plan, you have options. Your MassHealth eligibility and benefits will stay the same, even if you decide to change your health plan.

Tell us any time you have a new address to make sure you get your MassHealth card and other important paperwork. To report an address change, go to this page.

Tell us if you are experiencing homelessness, so you don’t lose coverage. If your mail is returned to us from an old address and we don’t know that you are experiencing homelessness, you could lose your coverage.

You can also sign up for MyServices for 24/7 access to your MassHealth account. MyServices also lets you sign up for paperless electronic notices.

Enroll in a health plan or change your health plan if you need to.

Enroll in the health plan that best fits your needs. MassHealth members who are experiencing homelessness can change their health plan and doctor at any time. Check out MassHealth Choices to find your doctors and learn what MassHealth plans they work with.

You might be able to get additional benefits or access to other programs, depending on your MassHealth plan. For example, you may be able to get the services below, or other help with food and housing.

Services to Address Health Related Social Needs (HRSN)

If you are experiencing homelessness, we can help you find and keep housing that works for you. We may also be able to help make changes to your housing that could address health conditions, like ramps or air conditioners. If you have trouble buying enough food, we may also be able to help with things like kitchen supplies, home-delivered meals (including special meals for your medical conditions), and information on how to create your own healthy meals. 

Community Partners Program

The Community Partners Program is made up of community-based organizations that work with MassHealth to provide services and support to certain members with certain needs and health conditions. Community partners can help you understand the healthcare system and work with you, your doctors, and your insurance to make sure you get proper care. Learn more about the Community Partners Program here.

For Families 

Check out MassHealth for Children and Young Adults: MassHealth has specific services and benefits for children younger than 19, including 12 months of continuous coverage from the day they’re approved.

If you are pregnant, make sure to tell us. You could be eligible for more services. Check out Information for Pregnant MassHealth Members for more details. 

Applying as a family? 

If you want MassHealth for your whole family, you can submit a single application for everyone in your household. Please note that some household members could be found eligible and enrolled in MassHealth, and some could be found ineligible.

Massachusetts Housing Assistance: Emergency and long-term help

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities provides help with both emergency and long-term housing, including shelter, emergency help with housing costs, rental vouchers, public housing, and affordable homes.

Housing Navigator Massachusetts

Housing Navigator Massachusetts is a free online tool that makes it simple to search for affordable rentals statewide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) 
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal assistance program that provides healthy food and helps connect families to opportunities that support their wellbeing and their education and employment goals. 

Women, Infants, and Children Program 
The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to eligible Massachusetts families.

Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources

• The Behavioral Health Help Line is available 24/7 for all Massachusetts residents. Call or text (833) 773-2445 or visit the website to chat.
• Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) offer immediate help 24/7 for a wide range of mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs. To find a CBHC near you, click here.

Talk to your healthcare provider about other mental health and substance use disorder resources and supports.

Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault 

Statewide resources for sexual assault survivors 
A list of resources for survivors throughout Massachusetts, including rape crisis centers by county. 

Health and Social Services

A list of all health and social services provided by the Commonwealth.

You may be able to get housing and nutrition, or other resources, depending on your MassHealth health plan. Contact us to find out if you qualify for any other benefits or programs.