News
Southern Berkshire Ambulance wants more funding as costs outpace reimbursements. It's a problem across the Berkshires
6+ hour, 34+ min ago (1358+ words) Lanesborough Ambulance EMS Director Jen Weber, shown in January, said ambulance services are facing the same increases that everyone else sees. "Everybody would love for things to be cheaper," Weber said. "I think that it's just invaluable to have EMS…...
Rising insurance and wastewater costs put North Adams FY27 budget under pressure
3+ week, 2+ day ago (898+ words) At an April finance committee meeting in North Adams, the members discussed early budget concerns for fiscal 27 including rising medical insurance costs and a steep hike in wastewater management costs. Location: City Council chambers To follow North Adams' budget review…...
Healey unveils insurance reforms
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (337+ words) Division of Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw at a press conference about insurance reform at the Statehouse on Wednesday. Healey also announced the launch of a Health Care Affordability Working Group, led by former Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh…...
Berkshire towns, school districts catch a break thanks to lower-than-expected increase in health insurance costs
2+ mon, 3+ week ago (877+ words) High-cost prescription weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are no longer covered for town and school employees and retirees in Berkshire Health Group member towns and school districts, unless they're prescribed for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. LENOX " Property owners hoping…...
Richmond: Medicare assistance available by appointment
4+ mon, 6+ day ago (107+ words) A state-certified SHINE counselor will offer free health insurance and Medicare assistance by appointment on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Richmond Town Hall. A state-certified SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselor will be available from 1 to 4 p. m. Wednesday, Jan....
Your Medicare Part D plan: How to save by switching
6+ mon, 4+ week ago (812+ words) Navigating Medicare can be complex. Original Medicare covers hospital and medical insurance, but not prescription drugs. The drug coverage provided by Medicare Part D is a key part of a retiree's health insurance, and there are many options to choose…...
With health insurance premiums soaring, Berkshire officials urge residents to check coverage options
5+ mon, 2+ week ago (1232+ words) Gov. Maura Healey speaks at a press conference in her office on Monday about SNAP benefits and rising health care premiums. Frankly, this is a disaster. It's coming at a time when people can least afford it," she said. Dr....
U. S. News & World Report Announces the 2026 Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage and Part D
6+ mon, 1+ week ago (205+ words) U. S. News & World Report Logo. (PRNewsfoto/U. S. News & World Report) New independent ratings, evaluated using 37 quality measures, empower beneficiaries to navigate the rapidly evolving Medicare landscape during annual Open Enrollment. WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U. S. News & World Report, the global authority in health care…...
Sticker shock forecast due to expiring health insurance subsidies
6+ mon, 1+ week ago (894+ words) BOSTON " Bay Staters who receive insurance coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector are learning how much their premiums will rise in 2026 if Congress does not extend subsidies that are at the crux of talks over reopening the federal government. Open…...
'A stopgap.' How part of a $17 million allocation will help Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital offset federal cuts
6+ mon, 3+ week ago (670+ words) Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital will each receive state funding to help offset anticipated federal cuts. Specifically, the hospitals will receive a part of a $17 million allocation. The state rolled out than $122 million in funding last month to'acute care…...