COVID-19

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts continues to face a crisis due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) epidemic. We face this health crisis together and we are not alone. This site includes links to important resource information for basic needs, disability services, and daily life among other things.  The page includes links for our future and past webinars and updates.  Please be sure to check this page frequently for COVID-19 updates.

The Arc's Latest Updates on COVID-19

a group of people standing around each otherBudget & PolicyCOVID19Government AffairsNewsWorkforce Initiative
March 20, 2024

Advocates Gather Outside Massachusetts State House for Rally to Stop Potential Cuts to PCA Program

On Wednesday, March 20, the Boston Center for Independent Living held a rally at the Massachusetts State House to stop cuts to the PCA program. The Arc’s Deputy Executive Director…
COVID19Government AffairsNewsWorkforce Initiative
March 7, 2024

46th Annual Legislative Reception: Nearly 400 Advocates Come Together to Reaffirm Commitment to Those in Need

On Wednesday, March 6, nearly 400 advocates gathered at the Massachusetts State House to celebrate the 46th Annual Legislative Reception. Held by The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) and the…
Budget & PolicyCOVID19NewsOperation House CallTurning 22Workforce Initiative
August 9, 2023

Governor Maura Healey Signs FY24 State Budget – Includes Increases for Our Community, Veto for Autism Children’s Waiver

At 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 9, Governor Maura Healey signed a $56 billion state budget. There are some vetoes in the budget, and one which affects our community. We are…
Budget & PolicyCOVID19NewsOperation House CallTurning 22Workforce Initiative
July 31, 2023

Conference Committee Releases Final FY24 State Budget, Including Additional Funding for Those Unserved – Also: Funding and Legislation for Operation House Call

The Arc applauds the Conference Committee for including the legislature’s increases and language supports for our community in the FY24 Budget. With their leadership and understanding of the needs of…
Budget & PolicyCOVID19NewsOperation House CallTurning 22Workforce Initiative
May 10, 2023

Senate Ways and Means Budget Solidifies Funding for IDD Community, Includes Additional Funds and Language for Those Requiring 1:1 Support

The Senate Ways and Means FY24 State Budget (released on Tuesday, May 9) solidifies the funding we've reported with Governor Healey's budget and the House budget in most cases (except…
COVID19News
May 10, 2023

COVID-19: The Public Health Emergency Is Ending – What Is Changing? What Is Staying the Same?

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is coming to an end on May 11, 2023. The attached document from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health shares what is changing and what…

Important Resources on COVID-19

Needs and Local Resources

If you are concerned about medical care or paying for health care or RX, approval for MassHealth is expedited.

In March, the Commissioner of Insurance issued an emergency measures order to all health insurance carriers and HMOs in regard to use of telehealth (telephone and video). This means that all private carriers and MassHealth will allow payment for telehealth (and co-pays have been temporarily removed for patients).  We previously shared that MassHealth now allows telehealth including for certain long-term supports services such as adult family or foster care (AFC). 

  • Food:
    • Your local service provider may be able to deliver food to you (see local resources). Family support centers through DDS have been supplying gift cards to individuals eligible at DDS. List of centers here.
    • If you need food and are unable to afford it:
    • Project Bread Food Source Hotline: Hotline counselors will refer you to food resources in your community including information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application support. 1-800-645-8333 or TTY 1-800-377-1292 available Monday-Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm

The Arc of Massachusetts Resource Sheet on Meeting Basic Needs and Local Resources.

For information on support services resources, check the Health and Disability Services section.

Special Education Resources

Health Care & Vaccine Distribution Advocacy

Health and Disability Services

Continue to use your primary care physician (PCP) and urgent care when needed.  The State’s main site on the virus and your health is on the Dept. of Public Health (DPH) website (prevention and treatment).

MassHealth has a page on feeling symptoms: scroll down to “Members” and “If you are not feeling well.”

Personal Protective Equipment continues to be in short supply (April 27), but if a family member is positive and PCA services are involved, directions on PPE are here in English and here in Spanish.

Please reach out as you are experiencing need. We list below three main pathways to obtaining assistance:

  • Family support centers and chapters of The Arc
  • Department of Developmental Services (DDS) offices
  • MassHealth

Further below in this section we note other pages at the state agencies we encourage you to explore.

Resources and Guidance from MassHealth, DDS, & Mass Commission for the Blind

General Information and Links