130 CMR, § 501.009

Current through Register 1533, October 25, 2024

Section 501.009 - Rights of Applicants and Members

The policies of the MassHealth agency are administered in accordance with federal and state law. Applicants and members must be informed of their rights and responsibilities with respect to MassHealth.

(A)Right to Nondiscrimination and Equal Treatment. The MassHealth agency complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, creed, sexual orientation, or sex (including gender identity and gender stereotyping). A compliance coordinator is designated to administer grievance procedures for discrimination complaints.

(B)Right to Confidentiality. The confidentiality of information obtained by the MassHealth agency during the MassHealth eligibility process is protected in accordance with federal and state regulations. The use and disclosure of information concerning applicants, members, and legally liable third parties is restricted to purposes directly connected with the administration of MassHealth as governed by state and federal law.

(C)Right to Timely Provision of Benefits. Eligible applicants and members have the right to the timely provision of benefits, as defined in 130 CMR 502.000: Health Care Reform: MassHealth: The Eligibility Process.

(D)Right to Information. Persons who inquire about MassHealth, either orally or through a written request, have the right to receive information about medical benefits, coverage type requirements, and their rights and responsibilities as applicants and members of MassHealth.

(E)Right to Apply. Any person, individually or through an authorized representative, has the right, and must be afforded the opportunity without delay, to apply for MassHealth.

(F)Right to Be Assisted by Others.

(1) The applicant or member has the right to be accompanied by any individual of their choice and the right to be represented by an appeal representative as defined in 130 CMR 610.004: Definitions during the appeal process.

(2) An application for MassHealth may be filed by an authorized representative as described in the definition of authorized representative in 130 CMR 501.001.

(3) An appeal of a MassHealth decision, including one brought on behalf of a deceased person, may be filed by an appeal representative if such appeal representative meets the requirements in 130 CMR 610.016: Appeal Representative.

(4) The extent of the authorized representative's and appeal representative's authority to act on behalf of the applicant or member is determined by the applicant or member's delegation of authority, applicable law, or underlying legal document.

(G)Right to Inspect the MassHealth Case File. The applicant or member has the right to inspect information in their MassHealth case file and contest the accuracy of the information. The case file may include electronic records used to determine eligibility.

(H)Right to Appeal. The applicant or member has the right to appeal and request a fair hearing as the result of any adverse action or inaction taken by the MassHealth agency. The request will not be granted if the sole issue is a federal or state law requiring an automatic change adversely affecting members.

(I)Right to Interpreter Services. The MassHealth agency provides free aids and services to applicants and members with a disability or limited English proficiency, such as qualified interpreters and written information in other formats or languages, in accordance with the requirements of federal and state law.