Health care law close to implementation

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - State officials are meeting with healthcare providers to prepare for the implementation of a new health care overhaul law designed to bring healthcare costs down. The Patrick administration says in the coming months patients will see their health insurance premiums go down and the quality of their healthcare go up.

“Just as we show the country how to expand access [to healthcare] in a workable framework, we are now poised to show the country how to crack the code on costs,” said Gov. Deval Patrick.

The law goes into effect on November 5 ^th – and most of the noticeable changes will happen behind the scenes. Hospitals and other health providers will be busy changing their internal procedures to cut down on waste.

“We’re looking at how we can create better work flows in the office, how we can make sure that our physicians are thinking about best evidence-based practices when they prescribe drugs, when they order tests,” said Chief External Affairs Officer Marci Sindell of Atrius Health.

Key to the law is how health providers are rewarded.  They will no longer be paid based on how many patients they see.  Instead, health providers will get a lump sum of money that will incentivize them to provide preventative care.  Providers are expected to register with the state so their cost-cutting results can be monitored.

“The way we’re going to be paying providers is going to incentivize them to coordinate their care in ways that they’re much more focused on keeping people healthier,” said Admin & Finance Sec. Jay Gonzalez.

State officials are directing the public to their official website for more information and updates on the health care law: http://www.mass.gov/governor/agenda/healthcare/cost-containment/