I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 667 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 37 residents have passed away. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2J2BnQj. There are 50,969 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including 11,681 in Middlesex County. 215,213 tests have been performed, and 2,556 patients have passed away. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3aC72TY.
Next Wednesday I will be hosting a town hall on education during COVID-19. Panelists to follow. You can register for the Zoom here: https://bit.ly/2Kelp6l or join in by watching CCTV Channel 9, Facebook Live, or Youtube. Please submit questions you have ahead of time to Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov, or submit them in the Q&A chat during the town hall. I hope to see you there.
Tonight, 22-Cityview premiered a special with Mayor Siddiqui and City Manager DePasquale where they answered questions from residents about COVID. The special will re-air tomorrow and Sunday at 3PM and 7PM.
The City updated Temporary Emergency Restrictions on public meetings, city events, and city permitted events through May 31st. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2VCn77T.
Today, the state filed two waiver requests with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These waivers would expand Medicare telehealth coverage to include services provided by phone and video, extend retroactive coverage for those who qualify for MassHealth to allow them to be covered up to 90 days before submitting their application, provide flexibility for federal provider payment limits, and ease provider requirements that could result in unnecessary administrative burdens or barriers to care. Learn more here:https://bit.ly/2VV5MWP.
Earlier this month, I wrote a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma asking CMS to extend reimbursements to cover telephonically delivered healthcare services. This issue is so important in ensuring that everyone has access to care during this time, especially our most vulnerable populations. You can see my letter here: https://www.facebook.com/RepDecker/posts/3201670289844378.
Unemployment Insurance Updates
Since the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program launched on Monday, over 100,000 claims have been processed. Checks which include an additional $600 per week as part of another CARES Act benefit are being sent out. You can learn more about the PUA program and apply for benefits here: https://bit.ly/2S0id2n.
The MBTA is opening up the RIDE services to personal care attendants. Users of the RIDE will be able to book these trips for their PCAs as capacity allows. Those interested in booking rides for their PCAs can call the Access Center at (844) 427-7433.
If you are able to give to others during this time, I encourage you to look to the following places that are working to help those most affected by COVID-19:
