Latinos in Massachusetts: How to Protect Your Family’s Food, Housing, and Healthcare Today
On July 3, 2025, the United States Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R.1), a budget law championed by President Donald Trump that brings profound consequences, especially for Latino programs and immigrant communities.
Although it includes some budget expansions, such as increased funds for border infrastructure and the Immigration Service, it also imposes severe cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP, essential pillars for health and food security.
Medical Coverage
Medicaid covers over 71 million people in the U.S., 28% of whom are Latino.
Starting in 2026, the new law is projected to reduce its funding by over $1 trillion, introduce 80-hour monthly work requirements, and eligibility reviews every six months.
This could leave between 11.8 and 17 million people without health insurance by 2034.
Additionally, a five-year waiting period is imposed for permanent resident immigrants, and retroactive coverage time is reduced from three months to one.
Food
SNAP, the largest food assistance program in the country, will face a $200 billion cut over ten years.
The law eliminates future adjustments, tightens income controls, and expands work requirements to individuals up to 64 years old.
More than 2 million children could partially or totally lose this benefit, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
Furthermore, SNAP-Ed, a nutrition education program, is eliminated, and access is restricted for immigrants with TPS, asylum, or refugee status.
How do these programs work and what steps can you take to access their benefits?
1. Food: The SNAP Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers support to low-income families to buy healthy food.
In Massachusetts, SNAP is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and is available to many people who meet certain income criteria.
- Project Bread at 1-800-645-8333 for help in Spanish.
- www.mass.gov/snap to apply or check your eligibility.
- www.gettingsnap.org for practical resources on shopping and nutrition.
2. Home: Affordable Housing Resources
Massachusetts offers housing programs to help people facing eviction, living in overcrowded conditions, or needing more affordable rent. Organizations provide legal advice, mediation, and tenant support.
- City Life/Vida Urbana at 617-524-3541 – https://www.clvu.org/.
- Know your rights at www.masslegalhelp.org/housing.
- Housing options at www.masshousing.com.
- Metro Housing Boston at 617-425-6700 or visit www.metrohousingboston.org.
3. Care: MassHealth and Health Coverage
MassHealth is Massachusetts’ public health insurance program that provides medical coverage to people with limited incomes. All members must renew their coverage annually through a process called redetermination.
- Health Care For All at 1-800-272-4232 for help in your language https://hcfama.org/.
- www.mahealthconnector.org to renew your plan.
- www.mass.gov/masshealth for more information.
Food, Home, and Care: Three Vital Resources
These programs exist to help those in need.
Accessing them can significantly improve quality of life, especially for those raising children, facing illness, or experiencing economic hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions from the Immigrant Community
We know that many people, especially those who are immigrants or do not have regular immigration status, may have questions about these programs. Here we answer some common questions:
Can I apply for SNAP if I don’t have documents?
Some undocumented individuals do not qualify, but citizen children can receive benefits.
You can apply for your children through the official website of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
More information and online application: www.mass.gov/snap
What if I live with someone who doesn’t have papers?
You can apply only for household members who do qualify.
You are not required to disclose immigration information for those not applying for benefits.
To start the application process and get help, visit www.gettingsnap.org or www.mass.gov/snap.
Does MassHealth affect my immigration status or residency process?
No. Receiving medical care through MassHealth does not affect any immigration process or legal status.
To check eligibility or apply, visit www.mahealthconnector.org or www.mass.gov/masshealth.
You can also call 1-800-272-4232 for guidance in Spanish.
Can I sign up even if I don’t speak English?
Yes. Free interpretation services are available, and community organizations offer assistance in Spanish.
You can sign up or get help through www.mahealthconnector.org or by calling Health Care For All at 1-800-272-4232.
What do I do if I received a letter and don’t understand what it says?
Call an organization like Health Care For All or Mass 211 to explain your options.
How do I know if my children qualify for health insurance?
Many children qualify for MassHealth or the Children’s Medical Security Plan, even if their parents do not have documents.
You can check eligibility and get help by calling Health Care For All at 1-800-272-4232, or by visiting www.mahealthconnector.org.
You can also go to your nearest community health center, where trained staff can help you start the process.
Do I have to pay to apply for these programs?
No. Applying for programs like SNAP, MassHealth, housing subsidies, or the WIC program is completely free.
To start the process, visit:
- SNAP: www.mass.gov/snap
- MassHealth: www.mass.gov/masshealth
- WIC: www.mass.gov/wic
- Housing subsidies: www.masshousing.com if someone charges you, contact a legal organization like www.mlri.org or www.gbls.org.
Can I get help even if I work?
Yes. Many programs consider income, not just whether you are employed.
Where can I find help if I am being evicted?
You can contact City Life/Vida Urbana or Mass Legal Help for guidance. www.clvu.org
What do I do if I lost MassHealth without knowing it?
Check your status at www.mahealthconnector.org or call Health Care For All.
Additional Resources:
- My Health Fair: Find information at www.myhealthfair.com
- Mass Law Reform Institute: Legal support for immigrant families (www.mlri.org)
- Mass 211: Information on emergency services and local resources – dial 2-1-1 or visit www.mass211.org
- Greater Boston Legal Services: Free legal assistance (www.gbls.org)
