Study: Massachusetts must rein in healthcare cost increases

Massachusetts badly needs to contain healthcare costs, according to two new state government reports.

The studies found that businesses and consumers in the Bay State continue to pay more for more limited healthcare benefits and that the cost of healthcare is rising at a much faster rate than inflation. The reports also found wide cost variations across healthcare providers for every service offered.

Colorado has become the eighth state to set up a health insurance exchange for individuals and small businesses. The new law establishes an Internet-based program where consumers can negotiate coverage plans and premiums with insurance providers.