Boosting Health Care Savings: The Critical Role of Primary Care Access
Access to Primary Care: Importance and Impact
Access to primary care is crucial for improving health and reducing costs. Estimates suggest that the U.S. could save $67 billion annually if everyone utilized primary care providers as their main source of care. However, primary care only receives 5% of total health care spending in the U.S., the lowest percentage among Western democracies.
Webinar Overview
A recent webinar discussed actions that states have taken to increase spending on primary care and the potential effects on health care costs. Felice Freyer, the AHCJ Board President and an independent journalist, moderated the discussion with three experts in the field.
Key Speakers
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Felice J. Freyer
- Role: President, AHCJ Board of Directors
- Background: Independent journalist.
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Christopher F. Koller
- Role: President, Milbank Memorial Fund; Former Rhode Island Health Insurance Commissioner
- Background: Koller has extensive experience in health policy and initiatives to improve population health.
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Diane Rittenhouse, M.D., MPH
- Role: Senior Fellow, Mathematica; Professor, UCSF
- Background: Rittenhouse specializes in health care delivery, finance, and workforce. She focuses on enhancing primary care and health equity.
- Matthew Probst, PA-C
- Role: Physician Assistant, Sunrise Medical Clinic; Director, Rural Engagement, University of New Mexico
- Background: Probst has received numerous awards for his contributions to rural health and primary care initiatives.
Related Webinar Series
This webinar is part of a series supported by the Peterson-Milbank Program on Sustainable Health Care Costs. The series highlights strategies for promoting affordable health care through the roles of states, employers, and other stakeholders, aiming to inform journalists about these topics within their communities.