CONTROLCOST OF HEALTH CARE MASSACHUSETTS

You are correct in singling out Massachusetts as a national leader in working to control the rising cost of health care (“Massachusetts Takes On Health Costs,” editorial, Aug. 5). Massachusetts was the first in the country to greatly expand access to health care to our citizens. As we always planned, we are tackling the next great challenge: rising costs. Our office has identified one of the single greatest drivers of health care costs as the prices negotiated because of the market leverage of providers rather than the quality of services offered. Our new law establishes additional tools to scrutinize market behavior without impeding it, but also allows us to monitor market activity in real time for potential negative impact and then to take necessary actions. By striking the right balance, this law will help slow the spiraling health care costs faced by businesses and consumers while also allowing the marketplace to innovate and grow. MARTHA COAKLEY Attorney General of Massachusetts Boston, Aug. 7, 2012