Members and guests of the Sunflower Republican Club came with anticipation to hear the presentations by Jim Denning, CEO, Vision Discovery and Senator Jeff Colyer, M.D.

Jim opened with his power point presentation. Graphically the presentation showed a disturbing trend of an aging population converging with an aging physician population. Citing studies from GMENAC (Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee) it was revealed that in 2000 there was a 25% surplus of physicians in the Kansas City Area. By 2020 there will be a 20% shortage of physicians. Currently 44% of the population is seeking a physician. Within five years, 74% will be seeking a physician because 68% of the physicians currently in practice will be reducing their practices. In five years 20% will be retiring and in ten years 40% will be retiring. During this time the increase in the aging population will continue to grow. Nationwide in 2008 the first “baby boomers” reached age 62 with 78 million to follow. The population can be divided into sections: Traditionalists – born 1945 and before; Baby Boomers born between 1946-1964; GenXers – 1965-1980; Generation4 – 1981-1999. Nationally, eight million people earn over $50,000 but do not buy insurance, 14 million people who qualify for free health care do not sign up for it and 10 million are not United States citizens. The cost of health care for 16% of the population is $160 billion.

Under the Democrat plan employers pay for health care and the workers pay for the benefits of the retirees. The employers own and control the health care. The population that is retired or entering retirement is outpacing the working population that pays for the benefits for the retirees. The Republican Plan wants to make health care more affordable. It allows employees to own and control their own health care plan and take the tax deduction. It encourages Medical Savings Accounts. The solutions are to increase the number of physicians or ask them to work more. Although many physicians graduate from medical schools in this area, few wish to remain although the area provides an excellent atmosphere regarding tort reform. Citing huge student loans, a desire to live in more lucrative areas with mountains and oceans, young physicians are reluctant to stay. Physicians in the area provide $2.7 billion in payroll and $200 million in taxes. Finding a solution to the problems facing continuing quality health care is essential for all who live in the Kansas City Area.

Senator Colyer opened his presentation by citing the $147 million shortfall in the current state budget before health care is considered. He stated that while 4.7 million people are without health care, 84% of Kansas' citizens voluntarily have health insurance. Dr. Colyer cited heart disease, cancer, trauma related disorders, mental disorders and pulmonary conditions consume 60% of health care budgets. Also contributing to increased costs were unnecessary technology and a 70% increase in medications. In finding ways to make health care more affordable the demand side must be addressed, as well. The financial crisis in the national and state budgets will dictate how much money will be available for health care. Maintaining the current level of appropriations for health care will be difficult. The Health Care Authority presented a plan to the Legislature in 2008. It provided for those in need and to help those not able to fully pay for their own care.

-- Jim Denning

-- Presentation by Jim Denning