Charlton Select Board Votes Unanimously to Begin Health Insurance Carrier Switch

CHARLTON -- February 24, 2026, Charlton Select Board unanimously votes to begin switching employee health insurance away from Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust. The board voted 5-0 on February 24 to authorize the formal process under MGL Chapter 32B, Sections 21 to 23, the required legal step before the town can change carriers or plan design. Town Administrator Andrew Golas told the board the move follows a combined 38 to 40 percent premium increase in fiscal year 2026, and a new trust projection of a further 12 to 20 percent hike for July 1, 2026. The proposed alternative, Massachusetts Strategic Health Group, would shift roughly 120 covered members from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Harvard Pilgrim. Insurance advisor Ken Lombardi of NFP said a consultant's network analysis found 98 percent of currently used providers are in the Harvard Pilgrim network. The town's local Insurance Advisory Committee, with union and retiree representatives, is scheduled to review the options Thursday and issue a recommendation; Charlton must notify the trust of any intent to leave by April 1.