Mixed Results From State's Attempts To Contain Health Care Costs

Massachusetts is producing mixed results as it tests a new way to contain the cost of health care.

The $61.1 billion spent last year was just a 1.6 percent increase, well below a state imposed benchmark. But health insurance premiums rose at two to four times that rate, and the total we shelled out for deductibles, co-pays and other out of pocket expenses rose faster too: at almost six percent.

The findings were presented yesterday to the state's Health Policy Commission. Director David Seltz joined Morning Edition to help explain what's going on, and what's next.