BOSTON (WWLP) - The State Senate began debate Tuesday on health care payment reform.

Senate leaders say their version of the health care cost containment bill will reign-in skyrocketing health care costs, while at the same time updating how we deliver health care.

The Senate bill seeks to contain health care spending equal to the growth of the state economy. The bill encourages providers to adopt electronic health records and to become certified as Accountable Care Organizations that focus on wellness and sickness-prevention efforts.

A new Health Care Quality and Finance Authority would be created to keep an eye on spending and set annual health care cost goals. Governor Deval Patrick criticized the bill's creation of a new state agency, calling it a "bad Massachusetts habit." Nevertheless, Patrick did say there's a lot to like about the bill.

"This bill is 233 pages of ways to contain costs, said Sen. Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham). It has wellness programs, it makes providers accountable for rates."

The Senate will sift through about 260 amendments to the bill; most of which will be rejected or withdrawn.

Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) has said she expects the health care overhaul bill to pass by July 1.

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Senate bill aims to reduce health costs