BOSTON Massachusetts House and Senate negotiators have filed the final version of a bill they say will save up to $200 billion in health care costs over the next 15 years and help guarantee the sustainability of the states landmark 2006 health care law. <\/p>\n
The bill rejects a proposed luxury tax for hospitals that charge more than 20 percent above the state median price for a service, but includes $135 million in grants to help community hospitals make the transition to new electronic medical records systems. <\/p>\n
Another goal of the bill is to allow residents better access to their own medical records and cut down on unnecessary and expensive repeat medical testing. <\/p>\n
Sen. Richard Moore, an Uxbridge Democrat and one of those working on the final bill, said another top aim of the bill is to set a cost growth goal close to the states rate of inflation, far less than current year-to-year increases in insurance and medical costs. <\/p>\n
I think its a very good bill, Moore said. <\/p>\n
The bill would also encourage the creation of so-called accountable care organizations health care networks that take a more coordinated approach to medicine. There are already five accountable care organizations in Massachusetts. <\/p>\n
Such organizations are considered key to the transition away from more piecemeal medical care that rewards doctors for each test or procedure to care that looks at the entire patient and the best way to maintain overall health. <\/p>\n
Rep. Steven Walsh, D-Lynn, also worked on the final version of the sweeping bill and said hes confident it will benefit patients, health care providers and business which could see a reduction on the cost of health premiums. <\/p>\n
He said the bill should also win the approval of Gov. Deval Patrick, who has also made health care cost control a top priority. <\/p>\n
Im very confident that the governor will sign this, Walsh said, noting that every member of the conference committee working on the compromise legislation both Democratic and Republican members signed off on the final bill. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Compromise health care bill released<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BOSTON Massachusetts House and Senate negotiators have filed the final version of a bill they say will save up to $200 billion in health care costs over the next 15 years and help guarantee the sustainability of the states landmark 2006 health care law. The bill rejects a proposed luxury tax for hospitals that charge more than 20 percent above the state median price for a service, but includes $135 million in grants to help community hospitals make the transition to new electronic medical records systems. Another goal of the bill is to allow residents better access to their own medical records and cut down on unnecessary and expensive repeat medical testing. Continue reading