If someone needs help paying for long-term care in a nursing home, they might apply for something called MassHealth, which is Massachusetts’ version of Medicaid. But before someone can get MassHealth coverage, there’s one important rule to follow:
You usually need to prove that you’re a U.S. citizen.
Why Does Citizenship Matter?
MassHealth needs to know that you’re either a U.S. citizen or have legal permission to live in the United States. This rule helps them make sure the benefits go to people who are eligible.
What If You’re Not a Citizen?
Don’t worry — if you’re not a U.S. citizen, you can still apply. But you’ll need to show legal proof of immigration, like:
- A green card
- A naturalization certificate (if you became a citizen after moving here)
- Or even voter registration documents
Just remember: If you were born outside the U.S., you’ll need to submit your original documents — no copies allowed.
What If Your Documents Are Expired or Missing?
If the paperwork is expired, or if you can’t find it, that can slow things down. In some cases, it might even stop your application from getting approved. So it’s super important to find the right documents before applying.
One Special Exception
If you're already enrolled in something called MassHealth Family Assistance, then you don’t have to worry about the citizenship rule. That program has different rules, so you're good to go!
The Bottom Line
If you or someone you love is applying for MassHealth to help pay for nursing home care, make sure to gather all the necessary documents. Proving citizenship or legal immigration status is one of the first steps to getting approved.
Need help figuring it out? That’s what View All Options is here for. We’ll help guide you through the process — step by step. Start your search for nursing care in Massachusetts at ViewAllOptions.com
