Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill into law this week that aims to balance and control costs of the state's health care system, which was recently made accessible to all Massachusetts residents. The law makes Massachusetts the first state to attempt to cap overall health care spending, both private and public, at a growth rate steady with the state's economy. Estimated to save $200 billion over 15 years, it could provide a model for rest of the nation.

Opponents of the law say it could potentially limit revenue growth and reduce operating flexibility for state hospitals.

Amy Whitcomb Slemmer, a health care attorney and the executive director of Health Care for All, will join The Daily Circuit Wednesday to discuss the state's plan. Joshua Archambault, director of health care policy and program manager for the Pioneer Institute's Middle Cities Initiative, will also join the discussion.

KERRI'S TAKEAWAY

The fee-for-service method in our current health care system has to change and our country needs more primary care doctors.

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