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.

Dental Care

Dental care for children and adults is important to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and improve overall health. Massachusetts residents can get free or low cost dental care from government programs such as MassHealth and the Health Safety Net. Other dental care options include community health center dental programs, free clinics, dental schools, private dental insurance, and dental discount plans.

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, the Disaster Distress Helpline, Disaster SNAP food stamps, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Extreme Heat / Heat Wave

A heat wave is a period of extreme heat, often combined with high humidity, that puts people's health and safety at risk. During a heat wave, cities and towns open cooling centers, extend hours at pools and beaches, shorten the school day, issue safety alerts and tips, and/or take other steps to protect residents from heat-related illnesses and safety dangers.

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 and Wellness

A focus on wellness and prevention to keep people healthy is an important part of Massachusetts health care reform. Programs to keep people healthy improve the quality of life, and also save money on health care costs. Prevention and wellness programs available in Massachusetts include "quit smoking" programs, exercise programs, walking clubs, MassHealth Wellness, Healthy Weight clinics, and nutrition programs.

Sequestration

Sequestration is a term being used to describe a set of spending cuts in the federal budget that went into effect on March 1st. Federal programs deemed "mandatory" will not be receiving spending cuts, but discretionary programs could receive modest cuts in funding. Sequestration will last until Congress changes the laws that require sequestration to take place.