Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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Massachusetts
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health-Related Relief Programs
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CARES Act Provisions for Seniors and Healthy Start
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) includes provisions addressing senior assistance programs and Healthy Start. » more information -
CARES Act: Coverage of Testing and Preventative Services
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) mandates that private health insurers cover certain testing and preventative services for COVID-19 without prior authorization and at no cost. » more information -
CARES Act: Support for Healthcare Providers
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) appropriates funds to detect, prevent, diagnose, and treat coronavirus, and provides additional funding for telehealth: … » more information -
Defense Health Program
This program appropriates $82 million in additional funding to the Department of Defense to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic tests and related services for beneficiaries of military TRICARE health plans, as described in Division F, Section … » more information -
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Health Provisions
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides no-cost COVID-19 testing for participants in private health insurance plans and beneficiaries of federal health insurance programs, and expanded Medicaid benefits. » more information -
Indian Health Services
This program provides funding to the Indian Health Service to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Specifically, the program appropriates $64 million in new funding to the Indian Health Service to be used to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic … » more information -
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund
This section appropriates an additional $1 billion for a “Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund” for the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) to pay claims submitted by providers for reimbursement for the cost of COVID-19 … » more information -
Accelerated Authorization to Practice Nursing
Students who have graduated from registered nursing or practical nursing programs approved by the Board of Registration in Nursing and senior nursing students who are attending the last semester of a registered nursing or practical nursing program … » more information -
Authorization of the Independent Prescription Practice of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are certified nurse midwives may continue to engage in prescriptive practice (as previously permitted). » more information -
Designation of Authorized Health Care Activities Pursuant to the PREP Act (Civil Immunity for Certain Health Care Professionals and Facilities)
The State issued a directive to provide the maximum protections for health care workers and facilities under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The directive ensures … » more information -
Expanding Access to and Insurance Coverage for Emergency Department and Inpatient Services Related to COVID-19
All private health insurers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., the Group Insurance Commission, and Health Maintenance Organizations regulated by the Division of Insurance must cover all medically necessary emergency department and … » more information -
Expanding Access to Physicians’ Services
Retired Physicians. All physicians who have retired in good standing since March 17, 2019 with no outstanding complaints or open investigations shall have their licenses immediately reactivated upon request. » more information -
Expanding Access to Physicians’ Services
COVID-19 Order No. 7, expanding access to physicians’ services, has been rescinded. The relevant licensing authority must ensure that all licenses, registration, or permits previously issued or extended under this Order at a minimum remain valid … » more information -
Expanding Authority to Administer Certain Medication and Oxygen in Community Programs
The Medication Administration Program (MAP) is intended to ensure the safe and secure administration of medication to individuals living in certain community residential and day programs. » more information -
Expanding Pharmacy Practice
Pharmacy Technicians. Licensed pharmacy technicians may perform remote processing of patient-specific prescriptions for Massachusetts licensed pharmacies and health care facilities without the direct on-site supervision by licensed pharmacists. » more information -
Expanding the Capacity of Assisted Living Residences
In order to provide care to all patients and residents, the Department of Health has taken measures to expand the capacity of assisted living residences (ALRs) that are certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. These measures include the … » more information -
Expedited Credentialing Procedures for Licensed Independent Practitioners & Expedited Transfers of Licensed Clinical Staff Among Facilities
All hospitals and facilities licensed or operated by the Department of Public Health (DPH) have been directed immediately to implement expedited credentialing procedures in order to process applications from licensed independent practitioners … » more information -
Extensions of Certification and Continuing Education Deadlines for EMTs, Paramedics, and First Responders
Extensions of Expiration Deadlines for Certifications. First responder refresher training credentials, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certificates of completion, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates of completion that are or … » more information -
Health Insurance Coverage for Telehealth Services for Persons Impacted by COVID-19
All private health insurers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., the Group Insurance Commission, and Health Maintenance Organizations regulated by the Division of Insurance must allow all in-network providers to deliver clinically … » more information -
Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine for Travelers Arriving in Massachusetts
In an effort to protect against new sources of COVID-19 transmission, the Governor has issued COVID-19 Order No. 45, a mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers arriving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Effective at 12:01 am on … » more information -
MassSupport Health Counseling Services
MassSupport is a Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and managed in partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Riverside Trauma Center, a program of Riverside … » more information -
Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members have access to a range of health care services, resources, and benefits, including health and dental … » more information -
Optum® Emotional Support Help Line for State Employees
The toll-free emotional support help line is available to all public employees who are eligible for health insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), and their dependents. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This line is … » more information -
State Civil Immunity for Health Care Workers, Health Care Facilities, and Volunteer Organizations Providing Facilities for the State’s COVID-19 Response
The State passed legislation to provide health care professionals, health care facilities, and certain volunteer organizations immunity from suit and civil liability for damages related to the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The … » more information -
Waiver of Notice of Determination of Need for Health Care Facilities
Proposals for a substantial capital expenditure, substantial change in services and original licensure, as well as many transfers of ownership and changes in site for health care facilities usually must be reviewed and approved by the Department of … » more information -
Waiver of Timeframe for Certified Nurse Aide Training
During the Governor’s declared State of Emergency regarding COVID-19, the requirement that a nurse aide must complete the nurse aide training within 90 days of commencing employment is suspended, provided that the long-term care facility at which … » more information -
Homeless COVID-19 Isolation and Recovery Sites
Sites have been established for homeless individuals with mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 to isolate and recover in the towns of Lexington, Pittsfield, Taunton, Northampton, and Everett. The sites are available to individuals who: … » more information -
Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse
Recognizing that COVID-19 related quarantines and social distancing efforts may exacerbate domestic violence, the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse is continuing to provide services remotely. Those affected by, or seeking guidance related to … » more information -
National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of free, community-based, non-profit, volunteer-supported medical clinics serving people without, or with little, health insurance. The NAFC … » more information -
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Recognizing that COVID-19 related quarantines and social distancing efforts may exacerbate domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is continuing to operate and is providing coronavirus-specific guidance regarding safety planning … » more information -
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley have established the COVID-19 Family Support Fund. The goal of the Fund is to provide a flexible source of cash assistance to families affected by the … » more information
Housing-Related Relief Programs
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Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and Guidance Waiving Regulations and Policies in Response to COVID-19
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), which provides vouchers for rental assistance to non-elderly disabled persons of low-income who have been determined eligible and … » more information -
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and Guidance Waiving Various Regulations and Policies in Response to COVID-19
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), which provides tenant-based or project-based vouchers for rental assistance to low-income families and persons. A tenant-based … » more information -
Prevention of Electric and Gas Companies Shutting of Service for Residential Ratepayers
A shut-off moratorium is in place that will prevent utility companies from shutting off residents’ power until the termination of the Governor’s declared state of emergency regarding COVID-19. » more information -
Statutory Moratorium on Residential and Small Business Evictions and Residential Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The State has passed legislation that provides for a moratorium on non-essential evictions for residential properties and small businesses as well as a moratorium on residential foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation includes the … » more information -
Suspension of Housing Assistance Terminations and Waiving State Regulations and Policies Related to Federal Housing Assistance
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) DHCD has temporarily suspended federal rental assistance terminations, including those for Section 8 assistance, in all cases other than those involving violent or drug-related criminal … » more information -
Homeless COVID-19 Isolation and Recovery Sites
Sites have been established for homeless individuals with mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 to isolate and recover in the towns of Lexington, Pittsfield, Taunton, Northampton, and Everett. The sites are available to individuals who: … » more information
Insurance-Related Relief Programs
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Expanding Access to and Insurance Coverage for Emergency Department and Inpatient Services Related to COVID-19
All private health insurers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., the Group Insurance Commission, and Health Maintenance Organizations regulated by the Division of Insurance must cover all medically necessary emergency department and … » more information -
Health Insurance Coverage for Telehealth Services for Persons Impacted by COVID-19
All private health insurers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., the Group Insurance Commission, and Health Maintenance Organizations regulated by the Division of Insurance must allow all in-network providers to deliver clinically … » more information -
Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members have access to a range of health care services, resources, and benefits, including health and dental … » more information -
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Workers who are temporarily unemployed or whose hours have been reduced because of COVID-19, workers who have been quarantined due to an order by a civil authority, and workers who leave employment due to reasonable risk of exposure to COVID-19 or … » more information
Tax-Related Relief Programs
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Credit for Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) creates a refundable income tax credit for self-employed individuals who would otherwise be entitled to paid sick leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion … » more information -
Payroll Credit for Required Family Leave
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides a tax credit to eligible employers for wages required to be paid under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (the “EFMLEA”). » more information -
Payroll Credit for Required Paid Sick Leave
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides a tax credit to eligible employers for wages paid under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (the “EPSLA”). » more information -
Special Rule Related to Tax on Employers
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) exempts employers from employer-side Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) (or employer-side taxes under the parallel social security system for railroads (“RRTA”)) … » more information -
Extension for Personal State Tax Returns
Personal income tax returns and payments that would be due on April 15, 2020 will now be due on July 15, 2020. The new due date applies to personal income tax, fiduciary income tax, trust income tax, and income tax due with a partnership composite … » more information -
Sales, Meals, and Room Occupancy Tax Relief for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Small Businesses. The Department of Revenue (DOR) has enacted tax relief measures for small businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This tax relief includes suspending the filing and payment schedules for regular sales … » more information
Miscellaneous Relief Programs
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COVID-19 Pandemic Education Relief Act of 2020
The COVID-19 Pandemic Education Relief Act of 2020 (the “Education Relief Act”) provides assistance to students and institutions of higher education impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. » more information -
Federal Student Loan Payment Suspension and Interest Waiver
To provide student borrowers greater financial flexibility during the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Education has temporarily suspended the obligation to make payments for most federally-owned student loans. Additionally, the interest rate on … » more information -
90-Day Extensions for Professional Licenses, Certificates, and Registrations
COVID-19 Order Nos. 8, 9, and 18, which provided extensions for professional licenses, certificates, and registrations, have been rescinded. The relevant licensing authorities must ensure that all licenses, registration, or permits previously issued … » more information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.