This week, Mark and Margaret speak with Robert E. Mechanic, Senior Fellow at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Mr. Mechanic is the lead author on a report in this month’s Health Affairs that offers the first in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of cost containment measures in the State of Massachusetts since near-universal health coverage was achieved in that state. The report looks at the rise of Accountable Care Organizations and the creation of an independent commission to oversee health care system performance as having a positive impact on cost controls.