Local Legislature 

We emailed Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Massachusetts State Representative regarding our issue. Here is what she had to say:

Do you personally handle a lot of issues regarding mental health in undocumented immigrant communities in Massachusetts?

My office has not handled any constituent cases or issues related to mental health in the undocumented immigrant community. I am attuned to the broader issues of mental health, immigrants in Massachusetts, and their intersection. For example, my office recently attended an educational briefing on health coverage in Massachusetts that provided insight into the relevant resources and supports available to immigrants in the Commonwealth. I also maintain and regularly update a well-being resource sheet summarizing available programs and supports on my website; you can review it at https://tinyurl.com/KLG-COVID-wellbeing. (Other resources I have created and maintained are accessible at kateforrep.com/resources.)

What resources are available currently for immigrants who need mental health professionals/help?/Are there any outreach programs to specifically support immigrants with mental health-related issues?

In Massachusetts, MassHealth provides health benefits for qualifying children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Depending on immigration status, MassHealth extends coverage to certain groups. See a full list of non-citizens who qualify for coverage here. Immigrants who require mental or physical health services are also able to obtain coverage under two Massachusetts health coverage programs. The Health Safety Net pays acute care hospitals and community health centers for certain essential healthcare services with no immigration status needed and for income-eligible individuals. The Children's Medical Security Plan is for children under the age of 18 who are Massachusetts residents at any income level and no immigration status is needed for this coverage. This plan covers primary and preventative services and excludes emergency services.

You can find more about immigrant eligibility here- Understanding immigrants' eligibility for MassHealth & other subsidized coverage, March 2023 | Mass Legal Services

Health Care for All is an excellent organization that has a team of Health Care counselors with a helpline, all with translator experience, who work with immigrants daily to ensure they are connected with resources, as well as coverage. Additionally, many organizations in Massachusetts offer counseling services including Network of Care, MGH's Center for Immigrant Health, and the Rian Immigrant Center.

There was recently a California bill passed that will provide undocumented immigrants with health insurance, is Massachusetts planning to pass anything similar in the future?

As noted above, undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts already qualify for certain health insurance coverage. Additionally, in this legislative session, H1237/S740, An Act to ensure equitable health coverage for children, would extend MassHealth coverage to all persons under the age of 21, regardless of their immigration status. You can find more information about the bill here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1237

Are there measures in place to educate others about the mental health crisis within the immigrant community?

A variety of resources are available to try and support immigrant communities with mental and physical health. Many of the same organizations offering resources work to educate policymakers and the general public about the evolving landscape and the increasing importance of mental health services for our migrant community.

Thank you for your attention on this important issue. I would appreciate confirmation that you have received my response. I hope that this was helpful. If you'd like to share your final product, I'd be pleased to read it. 

I’m copying my legislative aide Haley.

My best,

Kate