March 3, 2008 Legislation regarding health care reform announced in Mass. Play video

(NECN: Worcester, Mass.) - The president of the Massachusetts Senate has unveiled the much anticipated health care reform plan.

Plymouth Democrat Therese Murray and other Senate leaders are calling this "the next phase of health care reform in Massachusetts."

Aides say the legislation will build on comments Murray made last fall during a speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. In that speech, the Senate president said rising health care costs were squeezing many families and businesses while also putting pressure on the state budget.

She also called on hospitals and insurance companies do more to justify their patient costs.

NECN health and science reporter Ally Donnelly has the details from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.