News
‘We can’t afford more’: Public workers push back on health insurance changes
6+ hour, 55+ min ago (919+ words) AMHERST " Nearly one in three Americans carries medical debt, a figure that public employees in Massachusetts worry could increase if Gov. Maura Healey's proposal to cut the state's Group Insurance Commission by $100 million is approved this week. Attendees implored the…...
Healey notes insurance relief is 'one-year plan right now"
1+ mon, 11+ hour ago (652+ words) BOSTON " With enhanced federal health subsidies now expired, Beacon Hill leaders on Thursday endorsed a one-year plan to tap $250 million from a state trust fund to provide relief to a quarter-million middle- and low-income residents. Lawn framed the $250 million as…...
State seeing more people drop health insurance
2+ mon, 2+ day ago (637+ words) BOSTON " More than 10,000 Massachusetts residents have dropped health plans obtained through the Massachusetts Health Connector at a time when premiums tied to expiring federal subsidies are projected to soar. "In the first month of open enrollment, we've seen over 10,000 people…...
Community Legal Aid set to expand its Medicare advocacy help
2+ mon, 2+ week ago (458+ words) SPRINGFIELD " The Medicare system is complicated even for experts in the field, let alone a new enrollee choosing one plan among the hundreds of options. Once Medicare enrollees get a plan, they may run into denial of coverage, prior authorization…...
Belchertown residents to vote on plan to cover $911K health insurance hike
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (319+ words) BELCHERTOWN " Residents at next Monday's special Town Meeting will discuss the financial transfers and various cuts needed to cover a $911,000 midyear increase in health insurance premiums, which will ensure that municipal employees retain coverage for the rest of the current…...
Massive health rate hike to hit local towns this fall
6+ mon, 1+ week ago (756+ words) The injectable drug Ozempic. The Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust is increasing health insurance rates by an additional 20% on Oct. 1 for its 73 members towns, school districts and other public employees. AP NORTHAMPTON " All 73 members of the Hampshire County Group Insurance…...
Regional trust's mid-year health insurance would hit communities hard
6+ mon, 1+ week ago (870+ words) A FREE morning newsletter that keeps you up to speed on the day's essential news. NORTHAMPTON " A rising number of claims and climbing drug costs is prompting the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust to consider implementing a 20% increase in rates…...
Hampshire County trust’s proposed mid-year health insurance hike would hit towns hard; vote set for Wednesday
6+ mon, 1+ week ago (813+ words) The injectable drug Ozempic is shown, July 1, 2023, in Houston. ap Modified: 07-29-2025 3:49 PM NORTHAMPTON " A rising number of claims and climbing drug costs is prompting the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust to consider implementing a 20% increase in rates for its 73 members,…...
Advocates continue push for single-payer health plan at forum
6+ mon, 2+ week ago (649+ words) GREENFIELD " Advocates for single-payer health care say creating a Massachusetts Healthcare Trust could save the state $37.36 billion in health insurance costs. While state legislators consider S.860/H.1405, "An Act Establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts," local members of Mass-Care, a single-payer health…...