Massachusetts could be sued, healthcare giant warns

Partners HealthCare is warning that Massachusetts may face a federal lawsuit if it proceeds with plans to raise the amount some companies must contribute to their workers' health insurance. The proposed new rules are opposed by several trade groups because, they say, businesses are already contributing millions more under the state's new healthcare law and the regulations would hit smaller firms especially hard. Partners was one of dozens of business and consumer groups that testified at a public hearing on the issue. Partners' testimony stood out because it has long been a prime supporter of Massachusetts' healthcare law.