BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts House and Senate negotiators have released the
final version of a bill that aims to save up to $200 billion in health care
costs over the next 15 years.
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 create new electronic medical records
systems.
Another goal of the bill is to allow residents better access to their medical
records and cut down on unnecessary testing.
Sen. Richard Moore, an Uxbridge Democrat, said another of the bill's aims is
to set a cost growth goal close to the state's rate of inflation.
The 342-page bill is expected to be voted on Tuesday, the final day of the
Legislature's formal session.
