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Medically Needy Program (MassHealth Spend-down) - Massachusetts
How can this program help me?
This program lets you get MassHealth (Medicaid) benefits even if your income is higher than MassHealth program guidelines. It works by letting you spend down your income so that you meet MassHealth income limits. The spend-down amount is the amount of income that is over the MassHealth limit. This amount is different for each person.
To get MassHealth benefits, you must submit current paid or unpaid medical bills equal to or greater than your monthly spend-down amount. Once your medical bills reach this amount, you will get MassHealth coverage for the rest of the calendar month. While using MassHealth to pay for your medical expenses, you should use a health care provider who takes part in the MassHealth program.
How do I apply?
To apply for this program, print and fill out the application form and mail it to your local office.
Frequently Asked Questions

Get Help from a Benefits Enrollment Center
Start Enrollment or Ask Questions
A Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) can offer you personal, one-on-one assistance as you navigate program eligibility and look to apply. With support from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the BEC can help you apply for an enroll in all of the benefits you may be missing out on.
Get Help from a Benefits Enrollment Center
Start Enrollment or Ask Questions
A Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) can offer you personal, one-on-one assistance as you navigate program eligibility and look to apply. With support from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the BEC can help you apply for an enroll in all of the benefits you may be missing out on.

BenefitsCheckUp can help you assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.