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By CHRIS LARABEE

More funding for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) may be on the way in fiscal year 2026, as Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed budget, along with those put forward by the Senate and House of Representatives, all request more money than in FY25.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Hundreds of thousands of small business employees and individuals could face significantly higher health insurance premiums next year under proposed rate increases that critics warn would add another crushing weight to employers and residents already struggling to manage high costs.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Tens of thousands of Bay Staters could lose subsidized health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector and premiums could rise for most other members under a suite of reforms in the U.S. House-approved reconciliation bill that Gov. Maura Healey dubbed “devastating.”

By MICHAEL P. NORTON

BOSTON – The state agency that oversees health insurance for 460,000 public employees, retirees and their dependents is on track to run out of money to pay claims on May 12, a full seven weeks before the end of the fiscal year.

By MAYA MITCHELL

Five years after the first case of what was then a novel coronavirus infection, health care professionals and state legislators worry Massachusetts isn’t ready if another pandemic were to happen.

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — Community and nonprofit leaders convened at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments’ offices this week to share an update on advocacy efforts for some of the most vulnerable populations: children and caregivers.

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — The town has a new pharmacy after two months without one.

By CHRIS LARABEE

WARWICK — With a $100,000 state grant, Warwick Community School will continue to lay down the foundation for its comprehensive behavioral and mental health services program.

By CHRIS LARABEE

ORANGE – As advocates prepare to head to the State House for March 13’s Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) Advocacy Day, at least one local store has seen the community fill the gaps left by December’s 50%, at minimum, reduction to the program.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — Preschoolers at the Central Street Head Start program got an early start on practicing healthy dental habits this week through a free, two-day partnership with the Community Health Center of Franklin County and J&S Smile Pros.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Town Manager Shaun Suhoski told the Selectboard at its meeting on Feb. 18 that there appear to be bumps in the road on the way to a balanced budget.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Mass General Brigham announced large-scale layoffs across its entire hospital system on Monday, a move that is likely to affect Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN and EMILEE KLEIN

With two cases of bird flu having been confirmed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, local health officials are issuing advisories and at least one Franklin County farm is taking measures to protect its poultry.

By CHRIS LARABEE

Just over a month since Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits were cut by a minimum of 50%, local businesses and advocates for the initiative are hopeful that it will be restored, as farmers, vendors and stores are seeing the effects of reduced benefits.

By ALEXA LEWIS

NORTHAMPTON — This winter, it may seem like everyone knows someone stuck in bed with a stomach bug.

By MAX BOWEN

An audit of the Center for Health Information and Analysis [CHIA] has shown that the state agency did not adequately monitor the financial conditions of acute care hospitals and health systems, according to the office of State Auditor Diana...

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON – Senate President Karen Spilka won another term leading the chamber with no speedbumps Wednesday and quickly set her sights on a combination of new and old priorities.During her inaugural speech, a newly reelected Spilka previewed some of her...

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Top Democrats needed a few extra months to reach agreements on major laws this session, but wrapped up business for the term with almost a day to spare and New Year’s Eve plans intact.The House and Senate adjourned their last meetings of the 2023-2024...

By COLIN A. YOUNG

Democrats who have been negotiating separate health care industry oversight and pharmaceutical drug reform bills for months announced Friday night that they resolved their differences and plan to put the bills up for votes next week in the final days...

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — With the support of a five-year, $7 million grant, three of Baystate Health’s hospitals are launching a substance use disorder treatment program, which will be based at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.The $7 million grant, awarded by the...

By DOMENIC POLI

ATHOL — Walgreens has announced it will permanently close its location at 1640 South Main St. at 3 p.m. on Jan. 27.A sign posted on the front door states customers’ prescription records are available at all Walgreens locations, including the one at...