Massachusetts health care coordination strategies

Massachusetts state law stipulates that every child have a medical exam, including Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) screening within 30 days of placement. Massachusetts provides a medical passport for each child in placement, which includes pertinent medical information and as much history as available. For children aging-out of care, the Medicaid Assistance Program (MAP) extends Medicaid to age 21, without any reapplication. The Department is also working with MAP to develop a medical home for foster children, which will be in operation in approximately one year. Finally, Massachusetts operates a Special Kids, Special Care Program that establishes medical foster homes for children with special needs. As part of this program, registered nurses visit these children to ensure support services are being provided.  Read more.

The Fostering Connections Resource Center gratefully acknowledges the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators for providing these summaries of state approaches. Please visit NAPCWA for the complete implementation summary.