Welcome
The rising cost of health care is not sustainable—for families, businesses, or the government. The U.S. already has the most expensive health care in the world, and it's expected our spending will double by 2020. What's more, the evidence clearly shows our health care system falls far short of delivering the value we deserve and expect.
All of us are responsible for improving the quality, safety, and affordability of health care. The video to the left explores how you can get involved by becoming an engaged patient. This website also looks at what we and many others are doing to improve the quality and affordability of health care. Here you can learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
Videos & Presentations
Actor Dennis Quaid Calls on Media to Help Improve Health Care Safety
- Three Massachusetts physician leaders talk about global payments
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- Meet the 2009 Health Care Excellence Award Winner
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- Channel 5's Chronicle examines the issues of health care quality and cost.
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- A Hospital Commits to Quality
More Videos & Presentations
Latest News & Opinions
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July 21, 2010
"(A Conversation with Dana Gelb Safran About) Getting the Incentives Right: The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Alternative Quality Contract" by The Commonwealth Fund 
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June 15, 2010
"Overtreating earliest cancers - but which ones?" By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press -
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June 14, 2010
"Biggest Radiation Threat is Due to Medical Scans" by Marline Marchand, Associated Press -
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June 14, 2010
"Employers Expect Medical Costs to Jump in 2011" by Tom Murphy, Associated Press -
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June 14, 2010
"Millions of Cancer Survivors Delay Care" by Mike Stobbe, Associated Press
More Latest News
The Facts
The U.S. spent $2.3 trillion on health care in 2008.1 As much as 30 percent, or $690 billion, may be wasted.2
1 Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services
2 Institute of Medicine, 2002 & New England Healthcare Institute, 2008
As much as 16 percent of hysterectomies a year may be unnecessary.
- Institute of Medicine, 2001
Only 56 percent of patients in Boston receive adequate care.
- Health Affairs, 2004
Only half of the 100 million antibiotics prescribed annually are necessary.
- FDA, 2003
Only 54% of Massachusetts diabetics receive the care recommended for their condition.
- CDC, 2005
Colon cancer patients get recommended follow-up treatment only 40% of the time.
- Journal Cancer, 2008
It's estimated that a quarter of all new drug prescriptions contain errors.
- Institute of Medicine, July 2006
More Facts
