Refugee Resettlement Program

(A) Regulatory Authority. The Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP) is regulated pursuant to Chapter 2 of Title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1521 and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) is provided in accordance with 45 CFR 400 Subpart G. (B) Overview (1) The RRP was established by the Refugee Act of 1980. The act authorizes funds for the administration and implementation of social and educational services and employment training and placement, as well as cash assistance and medical assistance to refugees without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, or political opinion. It is the intent of the act to promote the resettlement and economic self-sufficiency of refugees within the shortest timeframe possible. (2) The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) is the state agency responsible for the delivery of services to refugees under the RRP. ORI has entered into an agreement with the MassHealth agency to provide RMA to eligible individuals. Refugee resettlement agencies under contract with ORI make the RRP eligibility determination and assist refugees to submit an application for MassHealth. (C) Eligibility Requirements. Individuals must submit an application for MassHealth and meet the following requirements: (1) having valid documentation of refugee, asylee, Cuban and Haitian entrant, Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder, or Amerasian status from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or of victim of human trafficking status from the federal Administration for Children and Families or USCIS; (2) being a resident of Massachusetts; (3) having modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of the MassHealth MAGI household that is less than 200% of the federal poverty level standards or meet a deductible in accordance with 130 CMR 520.028 through 520.035; and (4) being ineligible for MassHealth Standard, CommonHealth, CarePlus, and Family Assistance. (D) Period of Eligibility (1) Eligibility Period. A refugee who meets the eligibility requirements of RMA is eligible to receive MassHealth Standard or CarePlus for a four-month period, or other time period as established pursuant to 45 CFR 400.211, beginning with the date of entry into the United States. (2) End of Eligibility Period. A refugee who has been in the country for 12 months from their date of entry, or other time period as stated in 130 CMR 522.002(D)(1), is no longer eligible for MassHealth under the refugee resettlement program. Such refugee will be notified in advance of termination. (3) Extended MassHealth Eligibility. A refugee who becomes ineligible for MassHealth solely by reason of increased earnings from employment or increased hours of employment will have coverage for the balance of the eligibility period.