Section 18AA. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services and the executive office of housing and economic development, in coordination with the division of medical assistance, the department of transitional assistance, the department of early education and care, the executive office of education and the department of housing and community development, shall develop and implement a secure common application portal for individuals to simultaneously apply for state-administered needs-based benefits and services. The common application shall allow individuals the option to apply simultaneously for MassHealth coverage, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, income supports under chapters 117A and 118, childcare subsidies, housing subsidies, fuel assistance and other needs-based health care, nutrition and shelter benefits. The common application shall, with the consent of the applicant, allow the state agencies responsible for determining eligibility for the benefits requested to share relevant eligibility information and supporting documentation submitted by the applicant as needed to determine eligibility for other benefits.