Every now and then, at some health care meeting, someone will ask whether Massachusetts can reign in health care spending without undermining a major part of the state’s economy, the health care industry. The fear is…with so many jobs tied to discovering the next (expensive) medical miracle, designing a device that hospitals will buy too many of or (over)treating Massachusetts patients…the state can not “afford” to interfere with that sector. On the other hand, legislators and regulators are talking about limiting hospital expansions, the use of brand names drugs and some patients benefits.

Will it be hard to find the balance that supports medical innovation, services and lower health care spending rates?

Is this an exaggerated concern?