MA healthcare costs overhaul bill on its way to Gov.'s desk

A sweeping healthcare cost-containment bill is heading to the desk of Gov. Deval Patrick. Patrick and the Legislature are celebrating the bill, which has broad support, but is being received with more wariness and trepidation than recent major healthcare efforts, including the landmark coverage law. As we've heard again and again, tackling healthcare costs is going to be hard. Trying to hold down healthcare costs is one of those third-rail issues that many politicians won't touch. As he introduced the bill, House lead author Rep. Steve Walsh stressed that while it's projected to save $200 billion over 15 years, that's not the only goal.