"As advantaged as the state was when it sought to expand health coverage six years ago -- with a relatively high rate of coverage, broad Medicaid program, and generous amounts of federal financing -- Massachusetts is equally disadvantaged to take on costs, with health spending that is among the highest in the country, a culture of expensive medical practice, and very politically powerful hospitals and doctors. Health care is one of the state's largest employers, and one of the few to weather the recession relatively unscathed."  MORE >>