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Special Topics of Interest to Massachusetts Residents

Types of Assistance Targeted Resources Special Topics
Prevention for Health

Prevention for Health
Massachusetts Wellness Programs

A focus on prevention to keep people healthy is an important part of health care reform in Massachusetts. Prevention not only improves the quality of life, but also saves money on health care costs. Prevention and wellness programs available to Massachusetts residents include "quit smoking" programs, exercise programs, walking clubs, MassHealth Wellness, Healthy Weight clinics, and nutrition programs.

What is prevention for health?

Prevention for health is health care that focuses on keeping people healthy, rather than just treating people when they get sick. Prevention for health includes public health programs, education, good nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and other lifestyle changes that promote good health.

The state Legislature formed a Prevention for Health Caucus in 2011 to find ways to change the focus of health care in Massachusetts from treating illness after it occurs, to preventing illness before it happens. For more information, see Legislative Prevention Caucus Unveiled on the Health Care for All web site.

In support of the caucus, experts cite these statistics: 97% of Massachusetts health care dollars are spent on the treatment of disease, leaving only 3% for prevention and wellness programs. However, billions of state dollars are spent on treating preventable diseases caused by smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Prevention could lower the incidence of these diseases and save money.

What types of prevention and wellness programs are available?

Prevention and wellness programs include 'quit smoking' programs, Mass in Motion nutrition and fitness initiative, Keep Moving walking clubs, MassHealth Wellness program, Healthy Weight Clinics, and nutrition programs. More programs may be available after the Prevention for Health Caucus makes its recommendations.

To find out about these programs, view the topics below, or see Prevention and Wellness on the Department of Health and Human Services web site.

"Quit smoking" programs

Massachusetts "quit smoking" programs include:

Program Description Eligibility More information
MassHealth Tobacco Cessation Benefits MassHealth pays for counseling sessions and nicotine replacement therapy from approved smoking cessation programs. MassHealth members See Where can I get MassHealth smoking cessation services?
Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation & Prevention Program (MTCP) The mission of the MTCP is to reduce death and disability in Massachusetts caused by tobacco use. Programs include:
  • confidential Smokers' Helpline
  • interactive websites for smokers who want to quit
  • local tobacco control programs in communities throughout the state
 Massachusetts residents
Nicotine Patch Program for Massachusetts veterans and their families Massachusetts veterans and their families get a free 2-week supply of nicotine patches and free telephone support. For nicotine patches, vets/families who smoke 10 cigarettes per day or more Make Smoking History - for Vets
Web site also lists other quit-smoking programs for vets
Medicare Smoking Cessation Benefits Medicare Part B covers up to 8 smoking cessation counseling visits per year; Medicare Part D covers physician-prescribed smoking cessation treatments. Medicare members (Part B and/or Part D) who use tobacco Medicare Smoking Cessation

Nutrition and weight loss programs

Massachusetts nutrition and weight loss programs include:

Program Description Eligibility More information
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutrition classes and counseling WIC offers personal nutrition consultations, healthy eating workshops, cooking classes, and other nutrition support WIC participants See WIC: How Do I Apply? for local WIC offices
Healthy Weight Clinics at community health centers (CHCs) Healthy Weight Clinics offer family nutrition counseling, coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables, and incentives to participate in sports/exercise programs Overweight and obese children living in Massachusetts Healthy Weight Clinics are held at these CHCs: Bowdoin Street, Codman Square, Greater Lawrence , Greater New Bedford, Holyoke, Lowell, Outer Cape, and Whittier Street. See Find a CHC for contact information.
SNAP Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) program
(also see USDA SNAP Healthy Incentives Pilot - HIP)		 For every dollar of SNAP food stamp benefits that participants spend on approved fruits and vegetables, HIP will credit 30 cents to their EBT accounts. SNAP recipients in Hampden County, MA (randomly selected pilot group) See SNAP: How do I apply? to apply for SNAP benefits. HIP will begin in the winter of 2011.
Farmers' Market Coupon Program and Farmers' Markets Low-income elders and WIC women and children get free coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables at Massachusetts farmers' markets. Farmers' Markets sell fresh locally grown produce. Coupons are given to WIC participants and low-income elders. Anyone is welcome to shop at Massachusetts farmers' markets. For information about coupons, call Lisa Damon at 617-626-1731 or your WIC office. For general information about state farmers' markets, call David Webber at 617-626-1754.

Exercise and physical activity programs

Massachusetts exercise and physical activity programs include:

Program Description Eligibility More information
Keep Moving Program for adults living in Massachusetts Keep Moving is a network of over 150 local walking clubs throughout Massachusetts. Keep Moving promotes physical activity and socialization for adults over age 50. Regional walks are held in the spring. Adults over age 50 See the Keep Moving Directory to find a walking club in your area, or call the Keep Moving Program at 617-624-5972.
Senior Center exercise and fitness programs Senior Centers throughout Massachusetts offer free or low-cost exercise and fitness programs for community seniors age 60 and older. Programs may include stretching classes, weight training, yoga, tai chi, dancing, and other types of physical activities. Community seniors age 60 or older Contact your local Council on Aging or Senior Center for their program schedule.
Mass in Motion The Mass in Motion web site offers practical ways for Massachusetts residents to increase their physical activity and improve their eating habits. The site includes links to fitness events, information, and the Mass in Motion blog. All Massachusetts residents Visit the Mass in Motion web site.

Useful links

  1. Prevention and Wellness
    Links to resources for Massachusetts residents about staying healthy, disease prevention, nutrition and physical activity, healthy aging, and other prevention and wellness topics. From the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services.
  2. MassHealth Wellness Program
    Information about wellness visits, smoking cessation benefits, and other resources for staying healthy, for MassHealth members.

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