Despite progress in improving the health care delivery system in Massachusetts, a new report released by Attorney General Maura Healey today finds that widely disparate prices – unexplained by provider quality – persist in health care, resulting in a market where patients continue to utilize higher cost providers, driving up health care costs. This is the fifth report from the AG’s Office in its ongoing work to investigate health care cost drivers. It documents progress in efforts to improve the health care system like promoting the use of “tiered” or “value-based” health insurance products that encourage consumers to choose providers based on cost and quality. It also shows growth in alternative approaches to paying providers, such as global payments, which encourage providers to deliver care more efficiently.
- Read report: Examination of Health Care Cost Trends and Cost Drivers Pursuant to G.L. c. 12, § 11N (PDF)
- Read news release: http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2015/2015-09-18-cost-trends-report.html