By Matthew Dansereau
Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Dartmouth Council on Aging & Town of Dartmouth
Each year brings changes to public benefit programs, but this year we’re seeing more updates than usual. Many of these changes affect older adults who receive Medicare, MassHealth, SNAP, or Fuel Assistance. Staying informed can help you avoid interruptions in benefits and prepare for new requirements before they take effect.
HEAP (Fuel Assistance) Income Guidelines Increase
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), commonly known as Fuel Assistance, has announced the following income guidelines for the 2027 heating season:
Family Size Income Limit
1 $53,585
2 $70,073
3 $86,561
4 $103,049
5 $119,536
If your household income falls below these limits, you may qualify for assistance with your heating costs.
For residents of the Greater New Bedford area, HEAP is administered by PACE. In the Greater Fall River area, the program is administered by Citizens for Citizens.
Current recipients should receive their recertification packet in September. Applications and recertifications can also be completed online beginning Oct. 1. Because applications increase dramatically once cold weather arrives, it is always a good idea to apply early if possible.
Changes to Medicare.gov and SSA.gov
Both Medicare.gov and SSA.gov have undergone recent changes.
Medicare.gov has a new look, but the biggest change is behind the scenes. Individuals must now use an ID.me account to create or access their Medicare.gov account.
The Social Security Administration has also expanded its use of ID.me. Anyone applying online for Social Security Retirement benefits must first create a My Social Security account through ID.me.
This change also affects professionals who assist seniors. While counselors like myself can still help complete Medicare and many Social Security Disability applications, retirement applications now require the individual to have access to their own online account.
If you have not yet created an ID.me account, it may be worthwhile to do so before you actually need it.
More Changes Coming to MassHealth
Several federal changes will affect MassHealth over the next two years.
Beginning in October 2026, certain non-citizens who currently qualify for MassHealth will lose eligibility under new federal law.
Beginning in January 2027, some MassHealth members age 64 and under may need to meet work requirements unless they qualify for an exemption. Some recipients may also be required to complete eligibility reviews every six months instead of annually.
Looking ahead to 2028, MassHealth may begin requiring cost-sharing for individuals whose income exceeds 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Additional guidance is still being released, so some details may change before these provisions are implemented.
More Documentation Required for Benefits
One trend many people have already noticed is that state agencies are asking for more documentation than they did in previous years.
Both MassHealth and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) are increasing verification requirements as they work to comply with new federal regulations.
Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and MassHealth: The MSP application now includes additional questions regarding immigration and citizenship.
Individuals who were not born in the United States are now generally required to submit documentation verifying their citizenship or immigration status, even if they are now U.S. citizens for both the MSP and MassHealth applications and recertifications. Examples include naturalization papers, citizenship certificates, or permanent resident documentation.
SNAP Benefits: DTA is also requesting additional proof of utility expenses.
Previously, simply reporting that you paid utilities was often enough to receive the Standard Utility Allowance. Today, applicants are increasingly being asked to provide documentation.
If your utility bill is not in your name, the person whose name is on the bill should provide a signed statement verifying that you pay the utility expense. Without appropriate verification, your monthly SNAP benefit could be reduced.
Don’t Ignore Mail From Benefit Programs
One piece of advice I give clients every day is simple: open every letter you receive from MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Social Security, or Medicare.
Many benefit terminations occur not because someone is no longer eligible, but because a recertification or requested documentation was never returned. If you receive a notice asking for information, respond as quickly as possible. Waiting until the deadline can lead to delays, reduced benefits, or even the temporary loss of coverage.
If you are unsure what a letter means, ask for assistance before the deadline passes. Your local Council on Aging, Community Services Department, or SHINE counselor may be able to help you understand what is being requested.
Also, be on the lookout in October for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan. This important mailing explains any changes to premiums, deductibles, copayments, covered medications, provider networks, and other plan benefits that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Reviewing your ANOC each year can help you determine whether your current plan will continue to meet your healthcare and prescription needs during the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
Need Assistance?
Your local Councils on Aging or Community Services Department can often help with Medicare, MassHealth, SNAP, Fuel Assistance, and other benefit programs. Many have certified Medicare, MassHealth, and Health Connector counselors and SNAP Outreach Partners and can help explain notices, complete applications, and gather required documentation.
As benefit programs continue to evolve, staying informed and responding promptly to requests for information remains the best way to protect the benefits.
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