Mass Health Law Turns Six

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While the US Supreme Court continues to deliberate the future of national health reform, Massachusetts leaders are celebrating the 6th anniversary of the state's health reform law.

Advocates of the 2006 Massachusetts health law say it's brought down the number of uninsured residents to around 2 percent -- the lowest rate in the country. And recent polls also show the law enjoys more than a 60 percent rate of approval statewide, although the number of people who say they like the individual insurance mandate is somewhat lower. But even proponents of the law acknowledge that the problem of fast-rising healthcare costs has not been solved. Government and healthcare leaders are pushing for payment reform that they hope will reduce healthcare costs by rewarding preventive care more, and medical tests and procedures less. Patrick celebrated the law's anniversary at Faneuil hall with other politicians, business and labor leaders, and health care officials.