Healey founded missing hospital study groups; Housing loans are at their lowest level in 2 years

Almost a month after Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center closed their doors to patients, the Healey administration is establishing two working groups to evaluate future care options for communities around Dorchester and Ayer.

Gov. Maura Healey’s office said stakeholders representing a variety of 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. The groups will also help their communities navigate the aftermath of the Steward Health Care crisis, including addressing issues associated with continuity of care, health care transitions and “restructuring” of services.

“While acute care hospitals in these areas remain closed, we look forward to working with community leaders, other health care providers and elected officials to ensure the region’s health care needs are met,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. he said in a statement.

Housing loans are at their lowest level in 2 years

The average interest rate on 30-year mortgage loans in the USA fell to the lowest level in the last two years this week; This has increased the purchasing power of home shoppers navigating the housing market where prices are near all-time highs.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the interest rate fell to 6.08% from 6.09% last week. A year ago, this rate was 7.31% on average.

The last time the average rate decreased was 6.02% on September 15, 2022.

“Given the downward trend in interest rates, refinancing activity continues to increase, creating an opportunity for many homeowners to reduce their monthly mortgage payments,” said Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac. he said. “Meanwhile, many homebuyers are playing the waiting game to see if rates will drop further.”