Legislation

 

1.   H.940 - Sponsored by Representative Kay Khan - An act relative to access to health insurance for human service providers and their employees.  This bill amends the legislation of the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) and will expand the eligibility requirements to "persons who are employed by private human service providers that deliver human and social services under contracts with departments within the executive office of health and human services and the executive office of elder affairs." This bill will give you access to the GIC for the purchase of group health insurance at the same rates the state has negotiated for its employees.  Click here for a full fact sheet.

 

2.  S.614 and S.597 filed by Senator Karen Spilka and Gale Candaras respectively - An act to promote higher education among employees of human services provider organizations.  This re-submission (which operates at NO expense to the Commonwealth) expands the current program to include graduate level and continuing education courses.  Benefits would also apply to the spouse of any employee of a program funded by EOHHS.  Click here for a full fact sheet.

 

3.  S.616 and H.3568 - Sponsored by Senator Marian Walsh and Representative William "Smitty" Pignatelli respectively - An act establishing an education loan repayment program for social workers and direct care human service workers. This bill seeks loan forgiveness for "credentialed direct care human services workers" and licensed social workers.  Eligibility is limited to persons with incomes that do not exceed 500% of the federal poverty level with a repayment rate not to exceed $250 per month for a period not to exceed 48 months (subject to appropriation).  We are filing this with the National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts Chapter.   Click here for a full fact sheet.