Almost a month after Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center closed their doors to patients, the Healey administration is launching two working groups to assess future care options for communities around Dorchester and Ayer.
Stakeholders representing various health care settings and levels of government will be tasked with producing recommendations to “promote equitable access to care,” based on data, community feedback and input from working group members, Gov. Maura Healey’s office said. The groups will also help their communities navigate the aftermath of the Steward Health Care crisis, including tackling issues tied to continuity of care, health care transitions and “reconfigurations” of services.
“While the acute care hospitals in these regions are closed, we look forward to working with the community leaders, other health care providers and elected officials to ensure that the health care needs of the region are met,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said in a statement.
Mortgages hit 2-year low
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. slipped to its lowest level in two years this week, boosting home shoppers’ purchasing power as they navigate a housing market with prices near all-time highs.
The rate dipped to 6.08% from to 6.09% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.31%.
The last time the average rate was lower was on Sept. 15, 2022, when it was 6.02%.
“Given the downward trajectory of rates, refinance activity continues to pick up, creating opportunities for many homeowners to trim their monthly mortgage payment.,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, many looking to purchase a home are playing the waiting game to see if rates decrease further.”
