Boston health brief: measles cases confirmed, insurance changes, and storm response updates

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Boston, MA – February 28, 2026 – Measles cases prompt contact tracing; MassHealth cites waiver savings; state workers’ plans drop GLP-1 coverage.

Measles: two cases confirmed, contact tracing underway

State public health officials reported Feb. 27 that two measles cases have been confirmed in Massachusetts residents. A Department of Public Health statement said at least one case involved a school-aged resident who was exposed and diagnosed out of state and stayed out of state during the infectious period, with no known Massachusetts exposures tied to that case.

In a separate report, WCVB said health teams are ramping up contact tracing tied to the cases. A physician interviewed by the station said the infections were acquired internationally and emphasized that measles remains rare in Massachusetts.

Health insurance: state workers’ plan to drop GLP-1 weight-loss coverage

On Feb. 26, the state’s Group Insurance Commission voted to stop covering GLP-1 drugs when used strictly for weight loss, GBH News reported. The change is scheduled to take effect with the new insurance year in July and applies to members using the medications for weight management, not for conditions such as diabetes.

GBH reported that roughly 460,000 people receive coverage through the commission, including state and municipal workers, retirees, and family members. The decision comes as Massachusetts looks for ways to slow health care cost growth affecting public budgets.

MassHealth: new evaluation cites savings and lower hospitalizations

A MassHealth press release dated Feb. 24 highlighted findings from a UMass Chan Medical School evaluation of the state’s 2017–2022 Section 1115 demonstration waiver. The state said the evaluation found more than $500 million in savings over five years, improved physical and behavioral health outcomes for members, and lower hospitalization rates, while maintaining near-universal coverage.

Storm response: state of emergency and safety reminders during outages

Boston also spent the week preparing for and digging out from a major winter storm. On Feb. 22, Gov. Maura Healey declared a statewide state of emergency as a nor’easter approached, with officials warning about dangerous travel and the likelihood of power outages, WCVB reported. The station also noted reminders to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and keep snow clear of outdoor exhaust vents.

Sources

https://www.mass.gov/news/state-public-health-officials-announce-first-two-confirmed-measles-cases-in-massachusetts-this-year
https://www.wcvb.com/article/mass-ramps-up-contact-tracing-after-2-measles-cases/70541586
https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2026-02-26/weight-loss-drugs-will-no-longer-be-covered-by-mass-state-workers-health-insurance
https://www.mass.gov/news/new-umass-chan-evaluation-innovation-at-masshealth-led-to-improved-health-outcomes-and-lower-costs
https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-blizzard-prep-feb-22-2026/70451801

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