Asset Building

Building assets -- such as a house, a car, savings, education, or job training -- is one of the most effective ways for families to get out of poverty and become financially stable. Based on the findings of the state Asset Development Commission and non-profit organizations, Massachusetts is now taking steps to help low and moderate income residents overcome barriers to asset building and find economic security.

Disaster Assistance

Disaster assistance helps Massachusetts residents who are victims of natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, ice storms, and hurricanes. Disaster assistance helps pay for housing needs and non-housing needs that are not covered by insurance. Disaster assistance programs include FEMA Disaster Assistance, Small Business Administration loans, Disaster SNAP food stamps, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Economic Stimulus Plan

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 helps Americans deal with rising prices, health care, unemployment, college costs, and other financial problems. The recovery program offers tax breaks for workers, families, college students, the unemployed, and first-time homebuyers. People who get SNAP, COBRA, unemployment, SSI, Social Security/RR, and veterans' disability/pensions also benefit.

Health Reform

The Massachusetts Health Reform Act requires all adult Massachusetts residents to have health insurance if they can afford it. Residents without health insurance face a tax penalty. Residents with limited incomes may be eligible for MassHealth or Commonwealth Care. Other residents must buy health insurance if "affordable" insurance is available.

Pet Care Assistance

Pet care assistance programs offer free or reduced cost medical and other pet services to Massachusetts pet owners. Pet care assistance includes spaying and neutering programs, vaccinations, medical care, pet food, and feral cat assistance. Some types of pet care assistance are only available to pet owners with limited incomes.

Prevention for Health

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.