Toward Affordable Health Care: Prescriptions for Today

Toward Affordable Health Care: Prescriptions for Today
Congressman Dennis Moore, Honorary Co-Chair
Congresswoman Karen McCarthy, Honorary Co-Chair
Senator Jim Talent, Honorary Co-Chair
April 15, 2004
Kansas City

Double-digit increases in the cost of health insurance for consumers and employers has elevated national concern about our health care system to heightened levels. Public debate over the past decade has failed to galvanize public support for proposed solutions. And employers, consumers, the government, insurers, doctors and other health care providers and professionals cannot reach consensus when it comes time to move from words to action.

More than 100 concerned citizens, representing a diverse array of backgrounds and interests, convened in Kansas City to examine the key cost drivers to health care and seek common ground on achievable solutions that would have an impact on affordability. When asked how they view the nation’s health care system, 80 percent of the participants responded that there are some good things about the system, but that fundamental changes were needed.

Participants developed recommendations to reduce the number of uninsured, implement electronic medical records and other technology across the country and to engage and empower health care consumers in the delivery of their care.