The bill is intended to save Massachusetts up to $200 billion in health care costs over the next 15 years.
Gov. Deval Patrick signs the bill into law Monday.BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill into law that aims to stem spiraling health care costs.
The Democrat gave final approval to the high-priority bill in a Monday morning ceremony at the Statehouse. He was joined by lawmakers and Attorney General Martha Coakley.
The bill is intended to save Massachusetts up to $200 billion in health care costs over the next 15 years by encouraging the creation of "accountable care organizations" that take a more coordinated approach to medicine.
It also intends to give residents better access to their medical records and cut down on unnecessary testing.
The legislation aims to control health care costs that grew following a 2006 landmark law that requires nearly all residents to have health insurance coverage.