Mission Not Yet Accomplished? Massachusetts Contemplates Major Moves On Cost Containment

There is growing concern in Massachusetts that rising health care costs will derail the state's move to universal health coverage. A special state panel has recommended moving from fee-for-service to a new system of global payments as the best way to reduce unnecessary care and expenses, while improving the health of patients. The commission points to specific examples in the state where global payments seem to be working. But other providers are pushing back. [ Health Aff (Millwood). 2009; 28(5):1373-81; 10.1377/hlthaff.28.5.1373]