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MHAC Advances Digital Equity Efforts Through Advocacy Letter

February 24th, 2021

The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) continues to promote the concept that technology is a social determinant of health and that older adults need to be included in policy discussions aimed at addressing the digital divide.

Both of those points were central to a letter distributed to the state’s Health Equity Task Force that held a recent public hearing on digital equity. The letter was sent to other state groups and commissions, including the co-chairs of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Continue reading →

MassHealth to Provide Members Free Transportation to COVID-19 Vaccinations

February 24th, 2021

MassHealth announced changes to its non-emergency transportation policy to expand eligibility and simplify processes for transportation to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Older adults enrolled in a Senior Care Options or One Care plan or in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) should continue to contact their health plan or PACE provider to request help with transportation. Continue reading →

‘A Better City’ Releases Case Study Report on Tactical Public Space Projects

February 24th, 2021

Building on the work of the 2018 Tactical Public Realm Guidelines presented by the City of Boston and A Better City, the latter organization released the Tactical Public Realm Case Studies report.

While the work is centered in Boston, these case studies present lessons for age-and dementia friendly communities across the state that are looking to make better use of public spaces. Continue reading →

Governor Baker Announces Vaccine Equity Initiative, Opens Eligibility to Age 65+

February 18th, 2021

The Baker Administration announced a targeted outreach initiative in 20 cities and towns most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and  $1M to the MA League of Community Health Centers to support vaccination in historically underserved communities.

The Administration also announced separately that individuals ages 65 and older, individuals living with two or more medical conditions that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and residents and staff of senior affordable housing​ are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. With this announcement, almost 1 million individuals are newly eligible for vaccine. Continue reading →