Massachusetts labor, consumer, business, and healthcare groups urged that Congress pass a national healthcare overhaul, saying legislation pending in Washington would help thousands more residents get coverage. A new proposal presented by President Obama is similar to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's plan announced earlier this month aimed at easing escalating premiums for Massachusetts small-business owners. Patrick wants to give state regulators the authority to cap insurance premiums, as well as the prices charged by hospitals, doctors, and other health services.
