The Quest for More Affordable Health Care in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of the best health care in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to get it. Sarah Iselin, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, unpacks what’s driving the surge in health care costs, and shares how insurers, providers, and policymakers are responding — and why none of the solutions come without trade-offs. The conversation digs into the real-world impact on municipal budgets, the limits of shifting costs to consumers, and the difficult choices leaders are facing between funding health care and investing in their communities. Iselin outlines where innovation is creating hope — from new care models and digital tools to prevention, primary care investment, and stronger collaboration across the system. For Further Reading:  Health care costs: Defining the challenge and finding solutions: https://www.mma.org/advocacy/health-care-costs-defining-the-challenge-and-finding-solutions/ Multiple factors contribute to rising health care costs: https://www.mma.org/multiple-factors-contribute-to-rising-health-care-costs/ MMA forum explores health cost drivers, possible remedies: https://www.mma.org/mma-forum-explores-health-cost-drivers-possible-remedies/ Blue Cross CEO says she's taking cost controls seriously in negotiations with hospitals: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/24/business/blue-cross-health-care-costs/ The urgency of tackling health care affordability: https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/the-urgency-of-tackling-health-care-affordability/ To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org