The Massachusetts Senate has released its version of a healthcare financing bill, and experts say the Senate's pitch looks similar to the bill unveiled by the House a few days ago save for a few more business-savvy measures, according to a CommonHealth for WBUR report.
The House and Senate bills are similar in that they cap healthcare spending based on state economic growth, shift towards global payments for providers, and emphasize wellness services and preventive care.
But the Senate bill has been considered more business-friendly by some experts, as there is no tax for expensive hospitals that do not justify high costs. There are also more references to "market-based" solutions instead of government interventions, according to the report.
Experts have characterized the House bill as seeking more oversight over healthcare financing, while the Senate bill appears to let physicians and hospitals have more say in finding solutions.
Lawmakers will try to compromise on the differences between the two bills in the coming weeks to arrive at a comprehensive proposal.
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The House and Senate bills are similar in that they cap healthcare spending based on state economic growth, shift towards global payments for providers, and emphasize wellness services and preventive care.
But the Senate bill has been considered more business-friendly by some experts, as there is no tax for expensive hospitals that do not justify high costs. There are also more references to "market-based" solutions instead of government interventions, according to the report.
Experts have characterized the House bill as seeking more oversight over healthcare financing, while the Senate bill appears to let physicians and hospitals have more say in finding solutions.
Lawmakers will try to compromise on the differences between the two bills in the coming weeks to arrive at a comprehensive proposal.
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