Worcester County Commissioners voted Oct. 7 to award medical services for the county jail to CFG Health Systems and to extend the existing contract with Wellpath through Dec. 1 to allow a managed transition.

The sheriff's office (presenter identified as jail staff) said the current contract with Wellpath expired June 30, 2025, and that CFG proposed a five‑year flat‑rate contract. CFG's proposal included a year‑one price of about $1,799,000 (annual) based on an average daily population of 132 incarcerated individuals, with annual percentage increases in subsequent years as specified in the contract. The proposal includes on‑site primary care, dental, podiatry and wound care, and CFG would pay for non‑mental‑health hospitalizations and most medications (the provider does not supply methadone, the staff said).

Staff requested an interim extension of the Wellpath contract through Dec. 1 at an estimated $129,000 per month to provide coverage while CFG onboards and to permit an orderly transition. Jail staff said bringing specialized services in‑house would reduce off‑site medical transports, save correctional officer time and lower transportation costs.

Commissioners discussed the scope of services, overlap timing and cost implications. Commissioner Abbott called the proposal a likely cost saver and said the in‑facility services and reduced transports would be beneficial; others asked for clarity on the overlap and transition schedule. Jail staff said the transition would include about two months of overlap and that staff and facilities exist to provide on‑site specialty care.

The board approved the extension of Wellpath through Dec. 1 and the contract award to CFG Health Systems, 7–0.