TightWind is written by Kyle Baxter. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Massachusetts implemented an almost identical healthcare system to what Democrats passed this spring. Their “reform” has not only failed to reduce healthcare prices in Massachusetts, but has made it more expensive. Predictably, the state implemented price controls on insurance providers, which promptly led to $116 million in losses for the top five state insurers. Three are under administrative oversight because there are concerns they will fail.

So, what is the state’s solution? More control. Not only more control, actually, but taking absolute control of the medical industry in Massachusetts:

Naturally, Mr. Patrick wants to export the rate review beyond the insurers to hospitals, physician groups and specialty providers—presumably to set medical prices as well as insurance prices. Last month, his administration also announced it would use the existing state “determination of need” process to restrict the diffusion of expensive medical technologies like MRI machines and linear accelerator radiation therapy.

Meanwhile, Richard Moore, a state senator from Uxbridge and an architect of the 2006 plan, has introduced a new bill that will make physician participation in government health programs a condition of medical licensure. This would essentially convert all Massachusetts doctors into public employees.

This isn’t, and never was, about reducing healthcare costs so more people can afford it. It is about government assuming control of a vital part of our lives. That’s our future.