MA Health Connector Open Enrollment Starts Nov. 1

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Open Enrollment season begins Nov. 1 for customers of the Massachusetts Health Connector, which administers subsidized ACA health plans. 
 
CHP Berkshires is now scheduling appointments to assist area residents with finding new coverage or updating their current plan. 
 
The income limits for Health Connector subsidized plans are now $69,400 for an individual and $155,000 for a family of four. As a result, many more individuals and families now qualify for these subsidized Health Connector plans.  
 
Current customers of MA Health Connector, or people seeking to enroll for the first time, can visit https://www.mahix.org to get started. However, CHP welcomes appointments from Health Connector customers who may need help finding the best plan for themselves and their families.  
 
"Health Connector plans are now accessible for more and more people, and we're here to help," said William Cruz, certified lead patient navigator for CHP Berkshires. "Shopping for health plans can be confusing, but we can help guide this process." 
 
Many state residents are either self-employed or do not have insurance through an employer. They often depend on subsidized plans to meet the state law requiring everyone to have health insurance.  
 
Cruz said MA Health Connector customers are now receiving snail-mail from the state program reminding them to observe the Nov. 1 deadline. Open Enrollment lasts through Jan. 23, 2025.  
 
Health Connector plans include coverage options with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, United Healthcare, Fallon Health, Health New England, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and WellSense Health Plan. 
 
Anyone who does not wish to make insurance plan changes as of Nov. 1 will be automatically re-enrolled with their current plan and coverage. 
 
The CHP Open Enrollment service is open to any Berkshire area resident regardless of whether they are a CHP patient.  
 
Open Enrollment appointments can be made by calling 413.854.2816, or via email enrollment@chpberkshires.org

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Butternut Fire Expands to Sheffield, Covering 1,100 Acres

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The fire expanded during to the night to cover more than 1,100 acres. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire has expanded tenfold, now covering almost 1,100 acres of forest and spreading to Sheffield.

Just before noon on Wednesday, the town reported that the wildfire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain had unexpected growth overnight. It spread over 100 acres on Tuesday and on Wednesday, was estimated to cover slightly less than 1,100 acres.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Around 2 p.m., the Great Barrington Fire Department reported via Facebook that "significant fire" was extinguished by using a Blackhawk helicopter to drop 600 gallons of water. Water is now being pulled from Three Mile Pond in Sheffield.

The blaze is being referred to as the Butternut Fire due to its proximity to Ski Butternut, which has confirmed there is no damage to the ski area.

"At this time the fire is more than a quarter of a mile from the nearest structures and there are not any immediate threats to the public. There have NOT been any evacuation orders at this time. We have strategically placed structural fire crews in the areas where there is the POTENTIAL for us to operate in a protection mode to protect homes and property," the town's press release reads.

"In the event of a need for an evacuation order, residents will be notified through Code RED along with in-person door-to-door notifications of the affected area — an information post will be shared on how to sign up if you are already not signed up."

The fire was first reported Monday evening and by 9 p.m., firefighters were pulled from the mountain because of the hazardous conditions. On Tuesday morning, neighboring departments were called in to help contain the blaze.

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