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Charlton Select Board votes to begin MGL c.32B process to change town health insurance
Summary
The Town of Charlton Select Board voted unanimously on Feb. 2026 to begin the Chapter 32B §21–23 process to change the town's health insurance arrangement amid steep premium increases; staff and consultants said the move would be effective in time to consider a July 1 carrier change and pledged provider- and prescription-transition protections.
The Town of Charlton Select Board voted unanimously to begin the process under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 32B, sections 21–23, to change the town's health insurance arrangement, citing large recent premium increases and a narrow local market for municipal plans.
Board members met Feb. 2026 and heard from staff and consultants who outlined three main options: remain in the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust with plan-design changes, move to the Mass Strategic Health Group (which would transition the town to Harvard Pilgrim/Harbor Pilgrim), or hold plan-design and accept a smaller FY27 adjustment. Consultant Ken told the board the town must notify the Hampshire County trust before April 1 to effect a July 1 change and recommended the Chapter 32B process for a smoother transition.
"We recommend that you adopt applying sections 21 through 23," the consultant…
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