Massachusetts' forced health care program already a big hit

From the Boston Globe: "Health provider predicts big loss - Hospital alliance cites impact of reform law; Could cut 300 jobs, suffer $25m shortfall"

Cambridge Health Alliance, a key part of the Boston area's healthcare network, is facing a potentially "catastrophic" loss this year and is looking to eliminate up to 300 jobs, or about 9 percent of its workforce, in an effort to stabilize finances.

The alliance, which includes Cambridge Hospital, Somerville Hospital, and Whidden Hospital in Everett, says it is being hit hard by the state's new healthcare reform law, which has left it responsible for providing free care for those without insurance while reducing the hospitals' compensation for such services.

"A significant downturn in our volume and the transition to the new free care pool reimbursement system created a perfect storm for us," said Dennis D. Keefe, chief executive of the alliance.

Thus completes the "good intentions/unintended consequences" trifecta. This is probably just the tip of the proverbial iceberg for the Bay State's new health care mandate. Spread that pain, Beacon Hill.