HEALTH

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation analyzed the impact of two new Medicaid recertification and work rules passed by Congress, which are likely to shrink the number of MassHealth recipients.

Concerns are being raised over declining conditions for Western Massachusetts nursing home residents as for-profit operators cash in.

The Rundown with Carrie Saldo is back! On today's episode, we discuss protected access to COVID vaccines in Massachusetts, evolving labor movements, a statewide ban on “junk fees” and the status of invasive insects in the 413.

We learn about all the community-forward healthcare that is provided by local organization Tapestry Health, learn about the invasive spotted lantern fly with NEPM reporter Philip Bishop and Jennifer Foreman Orth of MDAR and check in with Rep. Jim McGovern.

Western Mass has among the lowest vaccine rates in the state. Officials say vaccine hesitancy is likely to get worse under Trump administration, which is attacking vaccines through rhetoric and funding cuts.

Despite Beacon Hill being quiet, a number of ballot questions have cleared the first hurdle towards getting onto the Massachusetts ballot.

Massachusetts lawmakers sent a supplemental budget to the governor before their August break, including a proposed pay raise for court-appointed bar advocates.

One community health center in Franklin County is trying to build reserves before the cuts take effect. The organization's director is expecting the financial strain to be "worse than Covid."

The summer gathering of governors' wrapped up on Saturday. Mass. Gov. Maura Healey did not attend, instead opting to stay in the Commonwealth.

After several days of fielding criticism about the move behind the scenes, Gov. Maura Healey on Friday named the state's top hospital lobbyist to a position at the regulatory agency that oversees virtually all major health care decisions -- including those directly affecting his clients -- in Massachusetts.