MassHealth
Coverage of MassHealth in the Nexus archive.
- Despite some relief, small businesses still in line for double-digit health premium increases
Small businesses and individuals in Massachusetts will face a 10.4% average increase in health insurance premiums for 2027, down from insurers' initial 12.9% proposal after negotiations by the Healey administration. Fallon Community Health Plan's requested 25% increase was rejected, and the merged market—a subset covering 700,000 members—will see its second consecutive year of double-digit rate hikes.
- Opening, closure reflect tenuous landscape for birth centers
Massachusetts is set to reopen the Cambridge Health Alliance Birth Center after its 2020 closure, while Methuen Hospital is discontinuing maternity services earlier than planned, highlighting challenges in maternal healthcare access. A 2024 maternal health law aims to support freestanding birth centers, but reimbursement rates remain a barrier. Nurses and advocates express concerns over the Methuen closure's impact on patients.
- Policy Points: Takeaways from the 2026 Medicaid Summit
MassHealth officials are preparing for 2027 Medicaid changes requiring 80 monthly hours of work or earnings of $580 for adults aged 19-64, with exemptions for pregnant individuals, disabled people, and caregivers. The 2026 Medicaid Summit highlighted challenges in minimizing coverage losses and administrative burdens as states like Massachusetts adjust to federal guidelines under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.